Special Delivery!!

 

So I haven’t been Blogging for a few months and that’s all down to my news that I am expecting my second child next May 2013!

Sufficed to say I haven’t been to Weight watchers or calorie counting for the last couple of months but I am extremely happy and looking forward to my bundle of joy arriving.

 

 

I know that it may seem like all the effort I had been putting in all along was just useless but to me I would disagree. I have learnt all about portion control and eating filling and healthy foods. I will keep these healthy eating habits up to the best of my ability. As all those pregnant woman out there will know  just how hard it is when your hormonal body may refuse some foods for no particular reason at times. I am happy to give in to cravings and to not be ‘dieting’ as such for the months remaining but I also do not want to undo all the hard work I have put in already.
After my first baby I had gained definitely over 2 stone from over-eating on greasy foods and pigging out on sweet things. I will be able to manage things properly this time as I know how.

It is only this week that I am finally starting to feel myself again. I had severe sickness both morning and evening and the foods that I could actually digest would be determined at the very last minute! I will be able to plan out meals again which I am happy with.

I also plan on doing a bit of exercise this time around- something I never really knew about on my first. Pregnancy yoga is a must I have heard such great things about it and from speaking to woman that have tried it, it’s definitely worth it and it can make you that bit more relaxed for Labour if you are not already.

 

I hope to have more tips and experiences to share with you over the next few months, and to keep in touch with my readers.

Regards,

Naoimh

A LITTLE BREAK....

Just a quick post to let all my readers know that I am taking a small break from Blogging. This is due to personal reasons.
I will be back however very soon with a New take on my Blog and a little needed make-over.


Looking forward to the coming months ahead!!    :-)


Regards,
Naoimh

Summer wardrobe that covers problem areas

With the weather is in Ireland these days it may not be a post about appropriate clothes to wear for here but as I am off on holidays in just a few short weeks it cheers me up to know that I will get to wear summer items for some part of this season!
So I haven't made it to goal just yet, and I am not as toned as I had anticipated but hey I am happy with my body and I have come a long way from 1 year ago. I wouldn't have dared even think about wearing a swimming suit or exposing my cellulite legs to the outside world back then.But in the year that I have been trying to get in shape I have toned my legs and lost more than just my baby weight but most importantly I have learnt to accept my body regardless of what shape I am in. I will still be working out and staying in weight watchers but now I will doing it because I have learnt that it is a healthy way of life and also a great way for socialising and meeting new friends.

So back to the point I was getting to- as I was packing my suit case and putting in all the new summer clothes and swim suits that I had bought I realised that the clothes I now have are completely different to anything that I would have picked out before I had a baby. I have bought new swim suits specifically because they will cover my stretch marks and ''bloated tummy'' as I call it - I am not ready to wear a 2 piece just yet! I have packed practically but still fashionably...

I have put together a collection of clothes and shoes that hide problem areas and/or make you look slimmer or taller. I hope you enjoy :)

SWIM SUITS   

From all in one suits  to 2 pieces with high waisted knickers, these swim suits are perfect for covering problem areas  such as our dreaded mummy tummy!


This was bargain from Dunnes €12 (there is also a matching maxi dress)

New Look from the Kelly Brooke Collection Summer 2012

This is also from the Kelly Brooke collection at New look- its like a play suit meets swimming suit, too cute!

This suit is from Matalan, you can't go wrong with a black suit and the polka dots add a bit of glamour but try before you buy as I have heard Polka dots can make you look bigger!!

I love love LOVE this suit!! It's from River Island it set me back €37 but was well worth it. It is slimming and covers all the areas I want to hide :-)!!!!

This 2 piece is again from River Island. I tried it on as I was going to buy it but with my stomach not being flat I felt that it draws all the attention to my tummy. This I feel would suit curvy girls with a flat tummy.

SUN DRESSES
A nice flattering dress in the summer can brighten up your day very easily. It's amazing how confident you can feel just by wearing something you are comfortable in. A dress is feminine and classy and every girl should have their fav!! From short dresses to maxi or even a nice skirt and top. Whatever your personal preference.

Maxi dresses are always great for covering up almost every problem area and are very fashionable for day time at the beach or pair with heels for a night time look.Every girl needs at least 1 maxi :-)

The new dipped hem skirts are in fashion this year and great for covering the back of your legs if you have varicose veins or  if you like to wear short skirts but are not confident enough.

 I got this beach sun dress from River island also and its great for covering up over a swim suit and lounging around. 

WEDGES

I just love summer shoes especially wedges. You can get them in all sizes from just a little heel to really high platforms. They are a great way to make you feel dressed up with everyday out fits and they easier to walk in the high heels, perfect even for the beach!

All different types for summer this year. Where to begin....

 These are 2 pairs that I bought in River Island that I cannot wait to wear on holidays. I know that the above pair aren't really wedges but they are still comfortable enough to wear by day! Oh how I just love shoes...

These wedge style sandals are great for day time to give you a bit of height and make you look taller.

Polka dot wedge dressy shoes are very classy for night time

If you like your comfort but like to look tall too then you will have the best of both worlds with these new hidden heel high tops. I gotta get me a pair :-)

I hope some of the ideas above are of some help. It has really got me excited all over about my holiers now. I will be counting down the minutes :)

Regards,
Naoimh

stretch marks

My last Laser appointment for my stretch marks was supposed to be last Thursday but I decided not to go. Like I said in a post earlier last month I don't feel that the treatment was working for me.
At the beginning I felt like there had been an improvement on the texture of my skin and the darkness of the marks have faded from what they were originally.

After getting 5 sessions over the last 10 months I am not completely satisfied with the results and so decided it was the next decision to not waste another €200 on treatment. I think my skin has gone as far as it will go with responding to this treatment. I will keep using Bio oil and moisturising my skin and see what way it will be in the future. I have been told that the marks fade after a while and that is good enough for me - for the moment.

If I come across anything in future that I decide to try out I will post all the details, but for now in my opinion I will give this treatment a thumbs down.

Regards,
Naoimh

Weigh Day!!

So I got weighed last Thursday night and I have stayed the same this week. Happy result! I only worked out once at Boot Camp - which may I add was really difficult. I was pleased when I finished that I had went but it was the only bit I had done all week. I couldn't make it to Zumba or spinning but I will be making up for it this week.

 I have had a good weekend so far, avoiding alcohol and making wise food choices. I will be back exercising tomorrow. I intend on going for a good long jog after work tomorrow.
My zumba will be finished up until the end of July as our instructor has gone back home for a 2 week holiday.

My sister came along to Boot Camp with me last Wednesday evening and she even enjoyed the workout, even going again Saturday morning- I could not attend as I was working :-( .

So I am optimistic about this week. I have been filling in my tracker all week and I am also back doing my stomach exercises. I have 4 weeks to my long anticipated holiday to Fuertaventura so I will be pulling out all the stops to help me get in as much shape as possible before this.



Looking forward to Weigh in Thursday.

Kind regards,
Naoimh

Weigh Day!!

Thursday was weigh day and to be completely honest I knew I was going to be up. I was so upset from being up the week before hand that I just completely stopped all my usual routines and ate what I wanted.
I was only 1 lb away to goal so when I was up 2lb it really annoyed me especially when I had tried so hard that week. I obviously didn't try hard enough anyway. So this week I have gained 1 & 1/2 lbs!!

All week I just couldn't snap out of it. I didn't go to any exercise classes, I didn't track and I ate all the wrong foods like takeaways, rolls and crisps for my lunch. At the end of everyday I was exausted from all the bad food and just didn't have any motivation to exercise.

In a way I am glad that I was up - I needed it to snap out of it and get back on track. I just had an off week. It has taken me right back and means I may not be making it to goal until another few weeks but I chose to give up and now I will be trying my very hardest to come back.

I have 4 & 1/2 lbs left to goal now :(. I will be starting my Bootcamp this week so that will help loads and I will also be tracking again and going back to my healthy foods.

I will fill in next week and let you know I got and and if I am down fingers crosses!

Regards,
Naoimh

Weigh Day!!

So Thursday was weigh day and as I stepped on the scales I was so sure that I would be down the 1lb that I had so desperately anticipated. I had done all my regular exercise like Zumba and spinning class. So when I was told that I had gained 2pound I was in utter shock!!

I still cannot understand where the gain has come from. It wasn't the time of the month and I hadn't eaten bread all week which would have usually bloated me. I was very annoyed with my body as I was so close to goal and now I have been knocked back 2 paces yet again!
I have gone back over everything I ate all week and it was very good foods with only 1 take away at the weekend - I didn't even have a drink.

All I can do is try harder for next week. Even though I don't think I can lose the full 3 lbs this week no matter how hard I try I will still stay positive and just try my best. That's all I can do at the end of the day.

I have signed up for a 3 week Bootcamp courtesy of livingsocial.com which is a website that offers discounts on a range of different things. I paid €24 for the 3 weeks and the classes are held outdoors for 5 evenings a week. Although I won't be attending the full week I am going to do 2 or 3 classes per week. I have exactly 6weeks to my holiday to Fuertaventura and I want to concentrate on toning more than anything at this stage. I am very happy with my shape and even though I am 3 lbs from goal I am still happy with my weight. I still have my ''jelly belly'' which I want toned and tight in time for the beach and the dreaded swim suit or 2 piece :-/
 I will have to start doing my stomach exercises at home again which I have been neglecting yet again for the past few weeks. I also just want to have my goal card by the time I go away in August so these next few weeks I will be trying my very best.

I am also doubting about attending my last session of laser treatment for my stretchmarks.
To be completely honest the treatment has not worked for me. At the beginning I could see results but at the moment after comparing with other friends that have also had babies mine seem the same as theirs. I don't know was it all just a scam and can stretch marks really be erased? I have learned to accept them and know to cover my body everyday with Bio oil or Baby oil the   next time I get pregnant to prevent further marks appearing.

Here's hoping for a loss on the scales this week.
Regards,
Naoimh

Weigh Day!!

Yesterday was weigh day and I was trying hard all week to be down. I was very happy to hear that I lost 1 lb. This was the loss that I had been anticipating for weeks as I was given my 3rd silver 7 :)

I am really pleased and proud I earned it. I kept tracking all week and was especially good at the weekend, although I did go out Sunday night for the match and a few bevvies. I did stay well in my Pro Points.

I went to Zumba Tuesday and really pushed myself to the point where I was exhausted and really sweat out all the bad toxins of Sunday night.



Wednesday was spinning class again which I LOVE!! I had forgot that I wasn't getting paid until Friday and didn't think where I would get the money for spinning. So after getting ready for class after work I only realised at that point that I did not have money for the class and was gutted, so I just had a shower and dressed my bed instead. As my hair was still soaking I leaned down the side of the bed and found €10 staring up at me!!  It had to be a sign to go and exercise?!
I quickly got changed and ran out the door with just 10 Min's to spare until class started. I ran the whole way over which was a great bit of a warm up exercise before the 50 Min's of what I can only call the most excruciatingly painful spinning class ever!.. but well worth it :)

So as I stepped on the scales and got the result and my silver 7 I couldn't stop grinning. It's been a tough year and a slow process of losing weight but I wouldn't change a thing.
Just 1 more pound left to goal!!

Next week I will hopefully be writing my post as a  new woman that has reached my goal weight!!
Watch this space.....

Regards,

Naoimh

Weigh Day!!

Just a quick post for last weeks weigh in as I didnt get a chance to post...

Thursday was weigh day and I am delighted to say that I was down 1/2 a lb. I had a really bad weekend with it being the Bank holiday and I went to Tramore.
 I really enjoyed it but was eating out a lot and although I was tracking I was still a bit concerned as I didn't have any home cooked meals. I went straight into exercise Monday night when I got back going to Zumba which was a great exercise, as always!

On Tuesday I took a break as I was exhausted from the weekend but continued eating healthy all week. I went to spinning on Wednesday which was something that I didn't do in years! It was really tough but I loved, I was sweating by the time it finished and felt like I had burned off (some) of the weekends overindulgence's!
I am now only 2 lbs  to goal and am soo pleased :)

Regards,
Naoimh

Weigh Day!!

So Thursday was Weigh Day and i am extremely pleased to say that I have lost 1 & 1/2 lbs this week. I really wanted to get a good result after being up last week so I tried my very hardest.

Firstly as soon as I came out of class last Thursday I ate a weight watchers meal - lasagna which was filling and very tasty.



I pointed everything that week (even all the treats) . I went for a Chinese on Sunday with my family which was well within my 49 Pro Points. I also went to the cinema with my mam on Monday night and got a popcorn which is my vice :)!! So after both treats at the weekend I was still well on track.

I went to my Zumba class on Tuesday evening which had to be by far the best class and I know I might have said it before but with the heat and a packed room full of people and of course the 15 dances one after the other I was soaked to the skin with sweat. A great workout indeed!!

Wednesday night I did a spinning class for the first time in about 3 years. It was hard work and I have to admit I was ready to give up after 10 minutes into the class but I kept going and didn't stop. I was really pleased with myself when I finished and again was saturated with sweat.


So with both classes done I was satisfied that I had lost that lb I gained last week. I was very confident getting on the scales that I would have a loss of 1lb and so when I heard it was more it was just an extra added bonus.

Next week I will be doing just the same but I will be having a drink at the weekend( all within my 49 weeklies!! ) as I am away with family for the Bank Holiday weekend.
I hope all of you had a good week also, and enjoy the weekend :)

P.S only 2 & 1/2 lb left to go to goal!! eek!!...

Regards,
Naoimh

Weigh Day!!

Thursday was Weigh Day and to be honest I knew the result before I even stepped on the scales. I was UP 1 pound.

During that week I had 2 takeaways just out of pure boredom. Also my Boot Camp was cancelled so the only exercise I did was 1 Zumba class.I did not walk to work any day so that would have contributed also.

During the day at work I was very good eating prawns instead of sandwiches for lunch again and lots of fruit and water.  I have decided that I am not going to let it get me down. As I am writing this post I am sitting out the back in the lovely sun and I am happy with my body in my bikini and a lot more confident than what I was a few months ago in a 1 piece. I will just try harder this week to be down weight and to not be too hard on myself as some weeks this can happen. After all  I ate the greasy food and  I didn't do any alternative exercise when Boot Camp was cancelled!

This week is going to be all about TRACKING. It is nearly the end of the summer challenge with
The Skinny Doll and I am happy I took part in the challenge as it is great motivation every week to stop me from giving into my bad habits. This week was just one of those weeks when I didn't try my hardest and the results speak for themselves. So with the help of my tracker I will be writing down everything I eat and choosing wise options. I am hoping for a loss next week so I will be putting in a good effort this week.

Regards,
Naoimh

Weigh Day!!

Thursday was Weigh Day and as I wasn't able to make last weeks class I went in with a positive attitude as I had 2 weeks without weigh in. I was delighted when I stepped on the scales and was told I had lost 1 lb. To be honest I had anticipated to lose more as I'm aiming for 1 lb a week but as the week previous was a bank holiday and I had wine both nights of the weekend and I was eating out a lot and not tracking - I was happy it was a loss.

So I went back to Boot Camp Wednesday after 2 weeks of the classes being cancelled. I brought along my Zumba partner Niamh who loved the workout  (but not the pain side)  but I have told her if shekeeps attending she will see the benefits. I am actually still sore in my thighs, and my stomach was aching for 2 days after all the cardio work I did but I don't mind as I know I got a great workout and was down weight so job well done :-)

I also went to Zumba Tuesday night which was filled with a few new routines which were great fun. The evenings are staying much brighter and even at half past 8 at night the sun was beaming in the window in class which made the room much warmer and I sweat more which made it one if the best and challenging Zumba classes to date.





As it stands I now have 3 lbs left to lose to reach my goal weight. I know I keep counting down but if I keep reminding myself it gives me the extra bit of motivation to keep going. There are 2 weeks left to the start of June which should officially mark the start of summer so if I stick to my target I should reach goal at the start of the month. I am trying my best every week with tracking and plenty of exercise so that I will not be up before then so.

Regards,
Naoimh