Camilla's Journey Tracker

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Wednesday 29 February 2012

Major Milestone Achieved

Although I officially only started following Michelle Bridges' 12WBT Guidelines at the beginning of the year and the program officially started on the 13th of February 2012 - I'm a firm believer in celebrating ALL milestones. Those of you who know me know that I celebrate everything I can - I love making the most of life.
When I first moved to Rockhampton (just over 2 years ago), my peak weight sat at 123.8kg. It took a long time to shift the first 10kg as I wasn't really in the right headspace. Then along came the 12WBT - and more importantly the support of my 30+ Crew, whom without them, there is no way I'd be where I am today.
Today I stand proud at 103.5kg and celebrate that since moving to Rockhampton I have now lost over 20kg! That's roughly 40% of the weight I want to lose. This year alone I've smashed enough calories to see over 9kg go and I'm sure next week I'll be celebrating 10kg gone this year.
I've learnt one very important thing when it comes to weightloss. Nutrition is 80%, moving your body is 20% of the effort but you will not be able to persist with both of these unless your head is in the right space. Once that penny drops, you become a determined warrior and there is nothing standing in your way.
Thanks for reading and enjoy your day

Friday 24 February 2012

Green Chicken Curry (301 cals per serve)


Serves 6 people
<><><><>
IngredientsCaloriesCarbsFatProteinSugar
Onions - Raw, 2 small5914016Ico_delete
Masterfoods (Australia) - Ground Ginger, 5 g54000Ico_delete
Masterfoods (Australia) - Chilli - Chopped, 4 g41001Ico_delete
Coles - Minced Garlic***, 7.5 g82002Ico_delete
Mccormick - Garam Masala, 1 tsp61000Ico_delete
Crisco - Pure Peanut Oil, 14 grams (1 Tablespoon)12001400Ico_delete
Woolworths Homebrand - Coconut Cream Light, 1 container (400 mls ea.)28862935Ico_delete
Woolworths Select - Chick Peas, 420 g5709293315Ico_delete
Ayam - Thai Green Curry Paste, 20 g375204Ico_delete
Raw - Chicken Breast, 603 g621071390Ico_delete
Homebrand (Woolworths) - Sliced Mushrooms, 200 gm708331Ico_delete
Woolworths - Baby Spinach (Fresh Pack), 75 g192020Ico_delete
<><><><>
                                                                                      Total:18071356418134
                                                                             Per Serving:3012311306

Sautee the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli till onion is translucent, then put all liquids in and bring to simmer point, add sliced chicken breast, chickpeas and simmer till chicken is cooked. Add mushrooms and spinach and simmer for a few more minutes.

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Pics from my Sunny Coast Workout on 18/2/2012



What do I eat?

I’ve had a few emails asking what I’m eating. As you all know I’m currently on the Michelle Bridges program and our nutrition plans are calorie controlled and supplied to us. I have had a day or two where I haven’t gotten to the shop in time to get specific ingredients, so listed below are two standard days for me.

DAY ONE

Breakfast                     373 cals

Multivitamin

Iron Supplement

Fish Oil

2 Slices Multigrain Bread

2 Poached Eggs

Salt reduced margarine

Cup of Coffee with Skim Milk

Lunch                            258 cals

Chicken Cacciatore (see my recipes)     

Dinner                          398 cals

150g Traditional Stir Fry Veggies

100g Light Stir Fry Mix

Teriyaki Marinade

200g Lean Beef

Snacks                          174 cals

1 Carrot

1 tub Soleil No Fat Yoghurt   

150g No Fat Greek Style Natural Yoghurt



DAY TWO

Breakfast                     268 cals

Multivitamin

Iron Supplement

Fish Oil

2 Slices Multigrain Bread

Salt reduced margarine

Salt reduced baked beans

Lunch                            226 cals

Cam’s Lasagna stack (see my recipes)

Dinner                          482 cals

260g Lean Rump Steak

Red Wine Jus

Steamed Veggies

Snacks                          224 cals

Regular Skim Latte

Ryvita Multigrain Crispbread

Low Fat Cottage Cheese

I don’t find my food boring, and I try to mix it up a bit. Anyone can do meal plans, you just need to commit to the cause which shouldn’t be so hard seeing as you are the one to reap the rewards.

Are you ensuring your success?

Have you ever heard that your attitude is contagious? That if you smile on the phone, the person on the other end can hear it?

Well it's true and it has more impact on our lives than what we initially realise.
For many years I have surrounded myself with what I called like minded people. People who were in similar situations as me, one way or another. I've always been a bit of a go-getter. I want more than the average person when it comes to things such as career, property, assets and in turn, success.
I'm not happy "just surviving" - I like to "thrive".

Let me have a go at an analogy to explain my message.
There's a kitten born with no parents to care for it. The kitten is brought up by other domestic cats. The kitten will then think it's a domestic cat and act like a domestic cat and live the life of a domestic cat.
If that same kitten was brought up by a herd of lions, adopted from young then the outcome will be very different. The kitten will think it's a lion, act like a lion and in turn live a life similar to that of a lion.

As humans, we become like those we surround ourselves with. If you detest the outdoors, would you surround yourself with people who love the outdoors and spend every minute in it, probably not. So, if you want to be a better person, or a different person, then the easisest way to do this, is to begin to surround yourself with people who are there and learn off them. This can be anything from becoming a happier person or to losing weight or becoming a successful property investor.
The basic recipe is the same. Surround yourself with those who are where you want to be. Don't wait until you are one of them, because very seldom will you get there on your own.

I've had people tell me how lucky I am to lose weight. How lucky I am to be looking better.

Luck has NOTHING to do with it. I am working damn hard to change myself and I'm doing it for me. Nothing you say or do will affect what I do unless I let it.

I count every calorie that passes my lips. Everything I eat is in my fitness pal and if you add me on it as a friend, you can go in to each day to see what I've consumed and what exercise I've done. I don't get home all excited about running in the heat and humidity and puffing - I don't get excited about exercise. Exercise is a means of getting what I want. I do it because it works, not because it's fun or comfortable. There's nothing stopping me enjoying the workout when I'm out there, but I wouldn't rate it as my favourite activity.

Another of my favourite sayings is :- Nothing tastes as good as slim feels
I have motivational little cutouts throughout my house, in my handbag, at work, in my car. I'm not motivated 100% of the time. I have slip ups. I eat things I shouldn't. I skip workouts. The only difference is that I don't give up. I just keep going. I'm human, I'm not perfect and I make a lot of mistakes. I learn from them and I learn to work with them.

If I eat something I shouldn't at work, do I feel guilty? No, guilty doesn't really go with my 'happy self' that I'm making a conscious decision to be. I do however work with it, I will in those instances ensure I do my workout and push myself as well. This works for me. I know it works because my clothes are loose, I've had to order new uniforms and I'm fitting into clothes that I've bought over the years when I thought I wasn't big. This is a very exciting time for me.

I want you to experience the satisfaction with life that I do. Focus on your happiness. There is nothing stopping you from being happy with what you've got and then work on tweaking the things you need to. Happiness begins within. It's contagious. By making the conscious decision, you will be a positive influence on those around you, your family, your friends, your loved ones.
If I can do anything to support you, let me know.

Monday 20 February 2012

Interview with Camilla – Yep, it’s a self interview... Corny!!

Just for something different here's a little self interview.  Should have another update either late tonight or tomorrow.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What makes you, you?

I am unique in many ways. I am very determined and goal focussed. Once I know what my end goal is, I am confident in planning and also executing the plan to get me there. Those of you who know me personally know that I’m generally a workaholic and I like planning everything in advance. I enjoy both jobs that I am currently employed in and these jobs takes up 55-65 hours per week, so time is scarce. I’m single and I live on a couple of acreages in Central Queensland, so maintaining the yard as well as the house is time consuming as well. That’s all my hurdles and I’m determined to overcome them.

Why did you decide to do the 12WBT?

I first heard about the MB 12WBT when it first came out. I ummed and aahhed about the price. I ended up wishing for the Crunchtime book that Christmas and since I got it – I’ve read it a hundred times. Still I procrastinated. It took me till Christmas last year to pull my finger out and sign up. I’m glad that I waited though because I haven’t been in the right frame of mind up until now.

What are you hoping to achieve through the program?

I see this program as my map to a healthier and happier me. Through this program I will be shedding a lot of excess baggage - both physically and mentally. Physically I have set a goal to get below 90kg during the 12 weeks.

Why have you decided to blog?

There are several reasons I have decided to blog. The first one is that I want to share my journey in the hope to inspire someone else to take charge of their own life and also become a healthier and happier person. The second reason is more personal. I am using the blog as my support network, my outlet. I will be blogging about my journey in whole.

How will you be exercising during the program?

As many of you will already have gathered, I want to become a runner. I will be doing most of my workouts outdoors either running or using nature. I am a member of a gym so I do have ‘backup’ options for when the weather isn’t co-operating. If anyone is keen on catching up for a workout, please let me know! Anything to keep me more accountable.

What is your greatest strength that will help you?

I think my determination and sheer will are my greatest strengths. When I put my mind to something I achieve it. I have the ability to look outside the square to find solutions.

What are you afraid of?

My biggest fear is loose skin. I know I’ll succeed in dropping the kilos, but will I be left with excess skin? I’m hoping not, but it is a fear.

What are you looking forward to the most over the next 12 weeks?

Getting in to double digits!! I’ve been over 100kg for years and I can’t wait till the day the scales flash 99 at me. I’m also looking forward to developing and making some great friends who are on similar journeys.

What is your downfall?

Time. I know it’s an excuse, but it’s my hardest hurdle. On days where I don’t have a double shift I have no problems getting out and about. However starting work at 7.30am and then not finishing the last job till 8.30 pm I rarely have enough motivation to do something. Normally I’m just really tired. I always eat clean on these days as I know what I’m like.

If you had to pick one word to motivate you over the next 12 weeks, what would you choose?

Inspiration. I want to be inspired and I want to be inspiring.

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Dirty Four Letter Word

I know there are going to be various words floating around in your mind right now, and some of you might already know what I'm going to say.
DIET
As soon as you hear the word, immediate associations include failure, temporary, bandaid fix, bland tasting or no taste, foul smelling, feeling hungry, not eating and being deprived. With so many negative linkages it's no wonder that most diets "fail".
I am NOT on a diet. The program is called the 12 Week Body Transformation, not the 12 Week Diet. A diet implies that it's temporary. The changes I'm making are not. I have committed to becoming the best that I can be. I have committed to looking after my health, my body, my mind and my spirit. A bandaid fix just will not do. This is my lifestyle change. I am making changes for the better that will affect and reward me for the rest of my life.
Yes, the byproducts are awesome. The major one is weight loss. When you improve your eating and increase your exercise only good things can happen.
Up until now, I always assumed maths was something we did at school to fill in time. I didn't really think that it would affect normal every day life as much as it has. The equation is simple. In fact so simple it's scary that most people don't seem to understand it.

FOOD IN MINUS EXERCISE DONE = POSITIVE FIGURE (INCREASED WEIGHT)
NEGATIVE FIGURE (DECREASED WEIGHT)

Calories In - Calories Out = Nil or Negative to maintain/lose weight

Whilst we're doing our sums, let's make it a little more real. A deficit of 3500 calories over a week equals roughly a 500gram loss - this figure will vary as your body isn't a straight up and down mathematical machine but it's a good guide post. So if the maths is simple, then why are not more people following it?
I'll tell you why. We all want something for nothing. I'd love to go to bed tonight at 106.4kg and wake up tomorrow weighing 75kg - how easy would that be! If I did, would I have learnt to change my eating? Change my lifestyle? Probably not. So once we decide to learn how our bodies work and embrace the changes we can make then the transformation will begin.
Start with baby steps. Look at recording what you eat, every day, everything that passes your lips. After a week, work out how much you've consumed - you'll be surprised. I know when I first did it, it was a major shock to the system. I ate subconsciously. I had things in my food diary that I'd chosen to forget that I'd eaten, this was my downfall. Now that I knew about it, I could change it. I'm still logging what I eat daily. I still have slip ups. On a whole I'm doing okay though, and the scales are proving it. I'm also feeling happier with myself. My self worth is increasing and that's an awesome investment.
So today my loss on the scales only came in at 300grams but I'm still excited. Some of you will be wondering why? It's only 300grams, not even half a kilo. Yep, that's right, it's not. It's not a gain either, and it's not staying steady, no matter how small I am going to celebrate every loss and make my new lifestyle changes into habits and make them my life.
Till next time xo

Sunday 12 February 2012

Sweeter than Chocolate


I read somewhere that it takes 1 month for yourself to notice the changes, 8 weeks for those near and dear to you and 12 weeks for everyone else.

That’s what I had geared up for. That’s what I believed in. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, or maybe I’m doing something right because I’m already getting compliments.

Yes, in preseason I’ve managed to shed nearly 7kg just in the lead up. We officially don’t start till tomorrow so I am very excited, very motivated and extremely pumped.

I can honestly say that hearing the compliments was sweeter than any chocolate I’ve ever eaten and the taste of it lingered in my mouth all day. Taking this journey has been the best decision so far in my life. I’m finally doing something for me. Now I know that’s going to upset some people, I understand that some people are going to wonder what’s going on and whether my personality will also change.

I certainly hope not. I intend on the inside remaining the same except for one thing.

No more self loathing, now, I’m learning to love myself. For the first time. Ever.

The journey of weight loss is so much more than kilos and centimetres. It’s discovering who you really are, what makes you tick and how you can be in control of your own life. I’m only a few steps in to this journey but I see it as an exciting and wonderful and EXTREMEMLY NECESSARY.

Dear friends, watch this space because I’m changing…. Changing for the better….

PrePics Take 2 (11th Feb 2012)

At 106.7kg

My First Official Pre-Pics (30th Jan 2012)

 Well I've finally worked out why my pics weren't loading - they were too big :) This is my first round of pre-pics taken on the 30th January by Carmen Howells Photography.

They were my clothed pics, can't really see the lumps and bumps, so here's the uncensored version. If you get a bit squeamish, I'm happy for you to look away.



Friday 10 February 2012

Support or Saboteur?

Sometimes the line between the two is very thin and very faint. In fact most of the time I don’t notice it when it happens and only in times of reflection does the penny drop.

I’ve spouted on here time and time again that you are my support base, and to date, there’s no negative comments or anything to bring me down. For this I thank you. When I need to vent or get something off my chest, this is where I normally come.

I’ve decided that this year is all about me. Hence this blog, my journey through weightloss and I’m making it public to hold me accountable. After many wise comments from my 30+ Crew, I’ve realised that losing this weight isn’t going to be the answer I’m looking for. This weight isn’t me. Yes, it’s a part of me, but it’s not all who I am. I used weight as my excuse in life.

It’s because I’m fat that I’m single. I’ve told myself that statement so many times I believed it. Not anymore. I’m single because I’m fussy and I send out the wrong vibes that attract people to me that I’m not attracted to. I’m not going to change my standards, I’m still going to be fussy but I am going to change my outlook and in turn that will be reflected in my vibe. It’s taken me a long time but finally I am ready to confess.
 
I am nice. I am kind. I treat others like I want to be treated and I deserve to be treated the way I treat others. I deserve to be happy. I know that there’s probably some comments being muttered under breaths as some read this. I don’t care. This is my journey. Not yours. You can’t take credit for what I’m doing. I am doing this for me. I decided to sign up and I’ve committed to the program. If you don’t like it – bite me!

 For those of you who have been “kind” and told me that “it’s okay to eat …. Because you’ve been so good” and “surely that little bit won’t hurt” – NEWSFLASH – you’re not being supportive. Yes it sounds all lovey-dovey and nice but I’m losing weight. I am watching what I eat. If I politely refuse what you’re offering, it is by no means a personal reflection on you. I’m sure it tastes wonderful but at this point in time I’d rather not have it.

Then there’s the negative compliments. I’m sure you all know the ones. They’re sweet to start with but they still sting a little. For example

“That’s a nice top”

“Thank you, I bought it as a reward for losing weight”

“Well done, but don’t you think you should be rewarding yourself after you’ve reached goal?”

 Hmmm obviously you don’t know that I’ve already lost over 15kg but sure, it’s okay for you to reward yourself daily for your ‘compliments’.

I’ve sat and thought about this blog post since the beginning. I knew there’d be a day I’d post it. I just didn’t know when or how deep I would go. I’m not naming names. This blog isn’t to humiliate people or to burn bridges.

This is me venting because I need to. In the past, a bottle of wine and a block of cheese would have done the same thing. Only thing is, writing a blog doesn’t make me feel guilty. It doesn’t require that I do extra exercise to work off my guilt.

Just remember that what goes around, comes around. If you wouldn’t want to hear something yourself, don’t say it to someone else – you don’t know what sort of a day they’ve had or how they’ll react.

Blog Hopping

So today I've learnt about blog hopping. This is where my fellow transformation team are all sharing their inspiring journeys. So from today onwards, you will see a 'blog hopper' list at the bottom of my blog incase you want to see how someone else is progressing or just to get some more motivation.
This was brought to you by
http://www.katesaysstuff.com

Wednesday 8 February 2012

I'm Obese!!

I never thought those words could be seen in a positive light but when I consider that I have officially gone from "morbidly obese" to "obese" I am stoked!! This week saw me "donate to the universe" (thanks Alison - it's much better way to look at it because what is lost can always be found) a whopping 1.9kg. Next goal post to put me in just the "overweight" category sits at 92kg (and I'll achieve this in round 1).
Still only had 2 days of exercise and this is where I could be doing more. After much consideration I have decided to slowly look at increasing my exercise on those days where I work both jobs to ensure that I'm getting an all round workout. I'll start by increasing exercise on those days from none to 350 calorie expenditure and will then work on increasing that to 500 calories per day.
Now, enough about me, let's talk a bit about you. First, I've already mentioned 1000 views, but WOW, I can't get over it. My little blog that I was using as a replacement for a support network has become so popular. I'm very impressed that you come back to visit and check out my page. Secondly, I am absolutely moved by the comments, messages (facebook) and emails that I am getting from you, my support! It makes me very emotional to realise that I am already having an effect and that many of you are getting off your bum to put yourselves in a healthier shape. Remember the first step is always the hardest and if you want a bit of motivation, or anything, please don't hesitate to contact me by email or by a comment on here, or whatever takes your fancy. I am very excited that you have allowed me to be able to make a difference. After all, my goal is to make a difference in my life and as many others as I can.

Sunday 5 February 2012

1000 Views - Thank You

A little over a month since I commenced my journey and already my blog has had over 1000 views.
What can I say?
I am feeling all warm and fuzzy with the support out there. I always thought I'd be doing this journey on my own. I have a lot of family and friends who aren't really into the whole 'support' thing so this is great.
I will continue to send updates through.
After popping up to Mt Archer this morning and burning 440 cals on the Frenchville Rd track, I'm keen to do the Zamia Walk (about 15km one direction). As I'm not going to be able to go back up the mountain, I will need a partner and/or team to go with so that one parks a car down the bottom whilst someone else ferries the other up the top. Stay tuned for that one as I think it's going to be a record breaker calorie wise. They say to allow 20min per km, that would make it a 5 hour hike!! Will have to do a lot more Bluff Point walks before then.

Saturday 4 February 2012

Cheating Chicken Cacciatore (Less than 300 cals per serve)

Serves 8 (ideal for freezing for lunches)
                    CaloriesCarbsFatProtein
Total:2067      129   44   278
Per Serving:25816    6    35
 
Ingredients
 
Ardmona - Crushed Tomatoes, 2 container (400 gs ea.)2084219Ico_delete
Fresh - Zucchini (Raw), 550 g83924Ico_delete
Generic - Eggplant - Raw, 450 g1082605Ico_delete
Bird's Eye - Frozen Chopped Spinach ***, 375 g81329Ico_delete
Coles - Minced Garlic***, 15 g15301Ico_delete
Gourmet Gardens - Italian Herbs, 5 tsp67700Ico_delete
Woolworths Homebrand - Passata Tomato Cooking Base, 1 container (600 gms ea.)1552810Ico_delete
Raw - Chicken Breast, 960 g989012222Ico_delete
Perfect Italiano - Romano Cheese for Grating, 80 g30482227Ico_delete
Always Fresh - Spanish Sliced Black Olives, 60 g57341Ico_delete
 
Method
Peel the eggplant prior to chopping up into 1cm cubes.
With the zucchini I thickly sliced it and then chopped each slice into 4 (I didn't peel the zucchini)
I put everything except the chicken and romano cheese into the slow cooker on high for an hour.
I then sealed the chicken in a frypan and popped that in too.
I left it all to cook for 8-10 hours on low and the smell is delicious.
 


 
 

Friday 3 February 2012

My Kitchen Rules (I hope)

Friday is upon us already, as is February. Not long now till the official kick off and I am more excited as each minute passes.
I wanted to send out a bit of a teaser. This weekend I'm roadtesting some new low cal recipes. I think I've created a low cal chicken chippies option and a low cal cacciatore. I'll be doing them on Sunday so watch this space for the recipes.
I'm also doing my first lot of stair runs, so any guesses on how many calories that will burn? All I know is that I'll be sticking round long enough to burn my 1000 cals as a minimum.
I've also been advised that my 'pre-photos' should be with me this weekend so I'll share them when I get them.
Till then, eat clean, exercise mean and stay keen!! (Corny I know)

Wednesday 1 February 2012

Goal. What goal??

Well hasn’t today just been an interesting day.

First of all my weigh in this morning showed a 1 kg loss – I am overjoyed as I thought with my injuries and having no exercise I would be doomed but I ate ‘clean’ and stuck to my calorie restrictions. I guess what they say is true, 80% of weightloss is nutrition. I am also sticking to my water requirements. No, not 8 glasses a day, not two litres – I’ve been recommended 30mL water per kilo of body weight you carry, so I’m drinking just over 3L per day at the moment and feeling fantastic because of it. My skin feels wonderful and isn’t requiring anywhere near as much moisturiser as it used to.

Now here’s my confusion. I went to the doctor this morning to ensure she knew what I was doing and make sure that I didn’t have to think about anything else. The doctor was surprised and amazed as she’d been recommending to me for a while to lose some weight. With her full support she checked me over and gave me the go ahead. The only thing she mentioned is that she didn’t think I’d be able to hold my goal weight of 70kg or even 75kg. She said she’d be happy with me sitting at 80-85kg – I brought up that according to BMI that would still make me overweight, she kindly told me that the BMI calculation is only a rough guide and that she believes my ideal weight to be 80kg.

This puts me at a cross road. I have set up my final goal weight to be 70kg which I had full intentions of hitting. Do I now reassess my goals by what my health practitioner advises? Any tips greatly appreciated J

I’ll be hitting the creative kitchen again this weekend to find some more nutritional and freezeable recipes to share!!