My weight has really been getting me down lately. I am a size 14 clothes and most of my clothes are size 10-12. I really need to fit back into those. It's not only that though, I've noticed how unfit I am. Just walking up the stairs I was becoming out of breath, that can't be a good sign so I decided it was time to start working out again. I am currently on day 4 of Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. I've done it before so I knew what to expect but it doesn't make it any easier! Here are five things I learned about myself since I've started working out and eating healthier, again.

1. It doesn't matter how slow you go, just do not stop. - I can't work out everyday because I have a brain condition (The fluid builds up around my brain and causes headaches/visual problems and so on. The medication I have to slows down my metabolism, therefore I gain weight) but when I feel like I CAN workout, I try not to push myself too hard. As long as I stay eating healthy and try to aim for 10k steps a day, workout three times a week and think positive, I CAN do this and I WILL be skinny for next summer! Slow wins the race, right? 
2. Green Tea is actually pretty good. Especially the berry flavoured green tea's. I actually find myself craving it now! Although it makes me feel sick and dizzy if I drink it on an empty stomach.. I've also been drinking a lot more water! Always a plus. No more fizzy drinks!
3. Eating healthy is hard. Although I am into the swing of things now, it does take some getting use to, it is not easy. I've been eating healthier for almost three weeks now and I don't even think about eating junk. It's ok to have a treat now and again but in moderation and only once a week! 
4. Don't become obsessed with the scales - This is easier said than done let me tell you! I weigh myself once a week but it's so hard not to weigh myself every other day and become obsessed with those scales. (I'm speaking from experience now! I've learned by my mistakes). I'm going to weigh myself once a week for the first month and then I'll weigh myself every two weeks after that. If I don't see a loss, I'll feel so disheartened. However, this week I have lost 2.2lbs and I'm very, very happy with that! 
5. Rewards - When I reach my first goal of loosing that first 5lb I am going to reward myself. I may reward myself with a nice face mask/pamper evening or something similar.
6. Stay active - Anything is better than nothing! I just need to MOVE more and eat less. Even just doing the housework burns a good amount of calories and then add in a half hour walk. It all adds up.  I find step counters help me - There are plenty of apps. I am planning on investing in a Fitbug after Christmas, my old one sadly broke. 

Do you have any advice for me? Or fitness/weight loss/healthy tips? Let me know in the comments.

Sarah xXx

Last week, I wrote about how I've started the 30 day shred again and that I need to loose weight. I did the shred I think for three days and then woke up one day and my shoulder was killing me. I literally couldn't list my arm at all and the pain went into my neck, too. I have no idea what I had done as it wasn't hurting when I went to sleep. Perhaps I didn't warm up properly? Anyway, I didn't workout for a couple of days (I did do some walking though and stuck to eating healthy). My shoulder is better now and so I can start the thirty day shred again. I'll be more careful in future.
I am looking forward to getting back into the 30 day shred and plan on working out everyday this week and walking, too! I've decided that Friday's will be treat days.


I can't wait for the weather to get better so that I can start jogging again. It is just far to wet and muddy to be jogging at the moment and like I said last week, I am not confident enough to jog along a road, where people might see me (No one wants to see my flab jogging along a busy road!)

How's your diets and workouts going?

Sarah xXx

I thought I would share with you my inspiration and motivating things I do and tell myself when I really don't feel like working out. Now, it's no secret that I am on a weight loss journey. I currently power walk/jog lightly at least twice a week as well as Jillian Michaels thirty day shred six days a week.I give myself a "rest" day and of course have a treat on the same day. I say "rest" because I still try to reach at least 10,000 steps even on my "day off"because that is better than nothing. I allow myself a rest day because I honestly think everyone deserves one!
Anyway I'll stop waffling and get on with the "what I tell myself when I really don't feel like working out" tips.

So this is what I do when I loose all m motivation and inspiration. When I feeling all "I can't be bothered" and "Stuff it this is too hard, I'll just stay fat and unfit because it's easier" and of course the whole "One bat of chocolate won't hurt" (Can you relate yet?). I remind myself of why I started trying to loose weight in the first place. 

Firstly, I find that looking at my -what I call- skinny photos of myself really does help! I know I am never going to be 110lbs again but it does help to remind myself of why I actually started working out. How good I look and how good I use to feel (Even though back then I was convinced I was fat. There wasn't even half an ounce of fat on me.. What was I thinking?!)

I look at the clothes I use to wear, my skinny clothes. This always, always helps me to get motivated! I have a pair of jeans I try on from time to time and of course they are WAY too small. Do you know what though? This time last year, I couldn't even get them over my KNEES, this year? I can get them over knees AND my thighs and up to my waste. Ok, so they're very tight and the button or zip doesn't do up, no matter how many times I lay flat on the bed trying my darn hardest to get that zip up... I am still too fat. But it's inspiring to see and I know that they do at least do over my thighs, yay!

I am not alone in this whole weight loss journey. I talk to people who are also trying to loose weight, like my friend Laura. She understands. She encourages me and motivates me. She also inspires me, too! She really helps me so much, I can't even put into words. Also reading other bloggers posts about weight loss. I enjoy joining in with blog hops and linkies, (Blogging To Jogging, Weight Loss Wednesday and Fitness Tuesday, just to name a few) reading other peoples weight loss stories, goals, success and even struggles. I like to encourages others too and I hope one day I can be an inspiration with my own successful weight loss story. I know that I am not alone and this, THIS, really helps in knowing other people know exactly how I feel!

Oh I have a problem with food and trying to stay strong and motivated with the whole healthy eating thing but again, I do the above and tell myself NO! "A moment on the lips and a lifetime on the hips" and all that. I also know that everything is ok in moderation and it's about having will power! Eat less and move more! This DOES help when I tell myself it's ok. And it IS ok. A few malteasers instead of a whole packet? Sure! None would be the better option, obviously but it's ok. I will get there in the end.

Quotes!! Motivational quotes also help. Pinterest is a really good idea for this! I quite often head over to pinterest when I'm looking for a quote that describes exactly how I feel (about everything and every situation in life, not just weight loss) which actually, is quite inspiring. In fact searching pinterest for weight loss tips, goals and so on, is also helpful.

I also tell myself (quite often) to stop making excuses. Making excuses will get me nowhere.



And last but not least. I tell myself. I CAN DO IT. And don't stop! Keep going. "It doesn't matter how slow you go, just as long as you don't stop". The last few days have been good, I HAVE stayed motivated.

I also find that weighing myself less frequesntly helps, that way if I haven't lost weight or I've gained a few ounces or not had a very big weight loss, I won't be as disheartend. I seriously hate the scales (or perhaps they hate me, haha) and would rather judge my weight on how my clothes are fitting. Right now I am between a size 10 and a 12! So I've dropped a jean size. I'll go by the way my clothes fit I think!

It's not going to happen over night. I need to have patience, be strong and just keep going with it. I remind myself of all the above, I talk to other people and I read other peoples weight loss journey stories so that I know I'm not alone and it helps. It really, really helps.

And reminding myself of this:


What are your "stay motivated tips"?

Sarah xXx

Firstly, let me start with last weeks weight loss. I lost about 1.6lbs I think it was. Something like that anyway, I forgot to write it down! Grr. I DID expect more but I'm pleased it was a loss! This weight seems to be coming off ever so slowly. I see other blog posts and Facebook posts from people saying "I've lost 5lbs this week" and I am SO pleased for everyone, I just wish mine would come off like that. I know the tablets I HAVE to take play a part in it being a slow process so I should be proud of myself. And I AM proud of myself, I'm just inpatient lol!

Does not include 30 day shred.

Today I walked a total of THIRTEEN miles! Wow. Just wow. Not gonna lie, when I synced my fitbug orb with my phone, I didn't expect to see that much but I am of course very pleased! I didn't walk it right in one go, just schools runs, walking to town and what not... It all add up! Add that to yesterdays walking distance of 7 miles = 20 miles in two days. Not bad. Not bad at all. I also power walked some of that. Plus level 3 of the 30 day shred. Yes, I am rather pleased with myself! I didn't do the last abs workout tonight as my son came down upset because he has a sore throat, so I stopped to comfort him and give him some calpol. He seems ok now... He's asleep. Might need a trip to the Drs tomorrow, we'll see.

I am doing quite well with my eating, I could probably do a lot better but I'll get there in the end! I do think I've probably burnt off more calories than I have eaten today, which is of course good.Still enjoying the green tea and almonds and pine nuts for a snack. I've cut down on the smoothies, especially the fruit ones because of the sugar, I know it's ok in moderation but I do actually enjoy them more when I only have a smoothie every couple of days and I add greens in when I can. I've been having porridge with banana for breakfast and I loveeeee it. I don't think I could ever actually get bored of that haha, is that weird?

Anyway, I'm rambling on now, I am super tired! I really do need to have an early night. I have a busy week this week - lots of walking and blitzing my house.

*yawns*

Times for bed!

Let me know how your weight loss/fitness journey is going, I'd love to hear about it :) 


Sarah xXx

This weeks weight loss is another small one but none the less, it's a loss and I am happy about that! I weigh myself every Friday by the way.
I've lost another 1.5lbs, which might be nearer 2lbs because I was fully dressed in jeans and a woolly jumper. I'm really pleased I've lost again this weight rather than maintain. I'm happy with it so all is good.

However, this weekend was my Birthday and Friday night I had no children (rare!), so I may have indulged in some treats - including alcohol and Birthday cake. I do think I deserved a treat and I actually don't feel guilty about it! I will however, workout extra hard this week and do some extra walking and what not. Didn't do the 30 day shred over the weekend but hey, it was my Birthday!! (Not that it's any excuse..) I still don't think I have gained though as I have done walking and small exercises. I actually burned a total of 2500 (odd) calories just walking over the weekend, so that's not too bad. 

I had a wonderful Birthday. I got a FitBug Orb and some new trainers, both very much appreciated. I absolutely love my orb and trainers. I am SO lucky. My old trainers had seen better days and I have had my eye on a fitbug orb for a while now. I may even review it on my blog in a few days or so :)


I'm quite shocked that my size 12 jeans are baggy around my thighs, waste and butt. I have to keep pulling them up! I can get away with a belt for now as they're not too baggy and I know I'm not a size 10 yet but I feel like I am getting there, even if it is a slow process.

I am still enjoying green tea, the odd smoothie and I actually now prefer brown rice rather than white! Brown rice takes a while longer to cook but I prefer it! When I first started swapping foods, I hated brown rice with a passion. It's amazing what you get use to and end up actually liking. 

I don't know if I wrote about this, but the meds I take for my IIH (brain disease) make me gain weight/slow metabolism down so that is most probably why it's a slow process for me, even though I am working out every night and walking a good distance most days. I HAVE to take those meds though.

How has your weight loss/healthy eating/fitness progress this week?

Sarah xXx

After staying the same for weight for two weeks, I am now pleased to say that I have finally lost another pound. Since October/November I have lost a total of 14lbs! The last few weeks has been a slow process when it comes to weight loss but at least I didn't gain! I was also quite poorly with a horrible flu virus which did set me back a bit.
I am still doing the thirty day shred and walking! One day last week, I walked a total of eight miles, which I am really pleased with. I also did the thirty day shred twice a day a couple of times last week. Not gonna lie, it was hard work and I was ever so achy and felt a bit blah but it paid off! Saying that though, I know I did push myself a little too far last week and won't be making that mistake again.

I put together before and after pics last night, I'm just not comfortable posting them on my blog, maybe I will post them when I've lost a bit more weight. 

It is of course half term and I am really hoping we have some nice weather so we can get out in the fresh air, I can continue with my walking and I'm sure the kids will have fun being outdoors, they are very outdoorsy kids!

I have seven pounds to loose beofe I reach my first goal, I would LOVE to reach that before my birthday but that's less than two weeks away, can I do it? I think it is very doable but we'll see. Wish me luck! 

Sarah xXx

I weighed myself over the weekend, I know I said I wasn't going to but I noticed that my clothes were really quite baggy and a pair of my jeans are SO big on me now that they fall right down when I walk... like right down to my knees, haha. Even with a belt they're baggy. All my bras are too big as well. Size 12 leggings are very baggy around my knees but I don't think size 10 would fit me quite yet, I need a size 11 haha. They should totally do a size 11 lol!  I'm not gonna lie, I was SO disappointed when I jumped on the scales to see I hadn't lost anything (again), I've stayed the same. Which is obviously a lot better than gaining.
 I do however think, I am loosing inches rather than weight, does that make sense? I know that can happen when you tone. I'm not disheartened though, I am happy that what I am doing is working because my clothes are fitting so much better! This happened over the Christmas holidays and I had actually gained a pound and then a week later I'd lost FIVE founds so perhaps it'll happen like that again, who knows. It's also that time of the month so maybe that plays a part in it. Sorry if that was TMI!

I am still eating really healthy, no processed foods and no junk food. No fizzy drinks and no sugary foods. Although I did have a cookie today because guys, I am craving sugar (probably for the above reason). I've cut back a little on smoothies as I was paranoid about my sugar intake. I need to start having veggie smoothies, perhaps I'll pick some veggies up at some point. I'm still enjoying green tea, epsecially the green tea with peppermint! 'Tis lovely on a cold morning.

I am now on level three of the 30 day shred! And I am really, really enjoying it! I also did it twice yesterday - Level 1 in the morning and level 3 in the evening. I might do that three times a week if I feel like it. I've walked a total of 8 miles (at least!) today, my legs are aching like crazy but all is good. I went grocery shopping and walked around town, had a look in a few shops and what not, just to keep me walking! Also done the school run three times today (After school clubs). So that's really good! I have got a bit of a headache right now but not as bad as it was a couple of hours ago so I think I'll still be able to do the 30 day shred tonight. This brain disease (IIH) really sucks but loosing weight is suppose to help (it hasn't in the past!) so we'll see how that goes :)

Thank you SO much to everyone who left me supportive comments on my last post, it really means so much to me. You are all so inspiring and encouraging. As is my friend Laura who is really helping me do this!!! 

Sarah xXx

This week weigh in is.... non existent because I haven't weighed myself. I don't think I've gained anything but I doubt I've lost anything either because I've still been ill. I have been keeping up with the healthy eating though and still making smoothies. I got brave last week and added rocket and spinach to my smoothie, wasn't too keen on it but I think I could get use to it!

I am debating on whether to start power walking and/or jogging a couple of times a week, even just around the block. I really don't like going out on my own though as the area I currently live in is quite.... rough. I think just around the block wouldn't be so bad though. I already do a fair bit of walking everyday (or try to when I can!) so maybe I should just power walk and/or jog instead - when I haven't got the kids with me of course.

Possible TMI - I am still doing the thirty day shred and loving it! I did miss two days over the weekend as I had those dreaded monthly pains (ovulation), that's the worst that pain has ever been! It was horrible., Sorry if that was to much info.



I've been drinking green tea with lemon (at least one cup a day) and I am actually going to add some (cold) green tea to a smoothie later and see how it is! This is quite huge for me because I never drink hot drinks, I don't like tea or coffee usually. I find that one of the (green) tea brands makes me feel a bit dizzy (bizarre) but I recently purchased the clipper green tea with lemon and I'm fine with that! (Was on offer in Tesco) I also have a decaff one but I'm really not fussed on that either. Did you know, green tea is a natural source of antitoxins and can help with weight loss! I actually find it quite refreshing, too!

How is your weigh loss/healthy eating journey going? :)

Sarah xXx

For the last six days I have been quite ill (again) all my glands were swollen and I have had a really bad cold. Whether it is just a bad cold or flu I have no idea but I think I am starting to get over it now. Needless to say I have missed a couple of days of doing the 30 day shred because I have felt so rough. I wasn't surprised that when I weighed myself today (on my nice new scales, you can read my review here. I can't recommend these scale enough, they are seriously the best scale I have ever used & I'm not just saying that - I truly do mean it.) I hadn't lost weight, I also haven't gained either. I weigh the same as I did last week which is ok. At least I didn't gain. Not gonna lie, I was a little disappointed because I have still been eating really well. I've still been continuing with my smoothies and healthy eating which I am really proud of myself for doing. I did cheat a little though and have a small bottle of lucasade at the weekend as I just felt so rough, had zero energy and felt like I needed something to help me a bit. Not that I could taste it mind as my taste buds are messed up.

I am still carrying on with the 30 day shred (still on level 2) and eating healthy! I will also get back into walking at least 4 miles a day now I am getting better! I have missed walking a lot so I'm rather looking forward to that. The weather has actually been quite mild here so lets hope that continues :)

How has your fitness/healthy eating/weighloss gone this week?

Sarah xXx

This week I am thankful for my dad. We aren't really close, in fact we're quite the opposite of close. I think we jus tget so wrapped up in every day life, kids, routines and everything, I just take for granted that he'll always kind just be around because he's my dad. You know?

You see, on Monday he had a heart attack which was a bit of a shock because overall, he's quite healthy. He's only 52 years old, which isn't really old is it? He doesn't drink alcohol very often at all, he does smoke but not very much and not even every day. He doesn't really eat a lot of junk food and he's generally quite fit - taking the dog for a walk, going to work (part time) and heart attacks don't even run in the family, so it was just really random and shocking.
I've been to the hospital to see him, and generally he seems ok. He just seems like himself. A bit tired but honestly, he looked quite well. We're not really sure how much damage the heart attack has done to his heart yet because he's waiting for test results and scans etc. I am really glad he is ok. Hopefully not too much damage to his heart, has been done.

I am really going to make more of an effort to see my family and spend time with them. When something like this happens it puts things into perspective, don't you think?!

I am really thankful that the rest of my family and close ones are healthy. Sure, we all have our health problems but nothing too serious (touch wood). As most of you probably know, the pressure builds up around my brain and I suffer with tremendous headaches but things could be so much rose. I am thankful for the NHS and hospital staff, doctors and nurses and that we do have a good health care system here and it's FREE. I know, the NHS sucks at times and there are long waiting lists and what not but we should be grateful that we have good doctors and medicines.

So, to round it up the things I am thankful for this week are the NHS, doctors and medical professionals, good health and family. ♥

Sarah xXx

As many of you already know, I am trying to loose weight! On 2nd November I started Jillian Michaeal's 30 day shred along with an online friend. We are now on level three! I never, ever thought I would get this far, but I have! I'm not sure if I've lost weight because I haven't weighed myself and nor do I intend to until I have finished the 30 day shred. I do know this though, my clothes are fitting me a lot better. My leggins are too big around my knees, they sag!! I've also lost a bit of weight off my back I think. Whoa. So whether I'm loosing weight or inches I do not know (yet) but I'm going to keep going with this because it's working! Once I've finished the 30 day shred, I am going to start it all over again - yup, I'm crazy, haha.
It certainly helps having someone doing this with me, she's encouraging and supportive! I'm not sure if I would have even got this far if she wasn't doing this with me. 

I have alos been eating healthy, too. Allowing myself a treat once a week. I eat a lot of fruit and salads. Chicken, fish and the liking is also low in fat and calories so I eat a lot of that, too! I try not to over do it on the carbs though. Everything is ok in moderation.

I've cut out all fizzy drink and crisps (both my down falls) and I am really proud of myself! I feel a lot better in myself for sticking with healthy eating and working out. I feel physically fitter and stronger already if I'm honest.

Yes, it is hard but it's so much easier than it was when I first started. It's hard when the kids are eating chocolate and nicer food than what I'm eating but then I remind myself that I want to be skinny again. I will get there. 

I'm intrigued to see how much I weigh next week, when I've finished the 30 day shred. I don't feel like sharing my weight -before I started- with the world right now but I was close to fitting into a size 14 but I'm quite short so I guess I was considered over weight.


Sarah xXx

Monday evening, I started the 30 day shred, I wanted to start on the 1st of November but I was so ill. I had either flu or a really bad cold as well as tonsillitis (I had it for well over a week) and it was not fun.

So last night I started the 30 days shed and wow, do I ache!!! Although, it feels good and I am really, really proud of myself. I did find it difficult but it's worth it and I know I'll loose some weight doing this workout every night. I'm excited to see results. I will be weighing myself tonight... I'm not looking forward to that but I know I NEED to weigh myself. I won't be weighing myself again until the end of the month.

I've also been eating healthy. No sweets, no chocolate and no fizzy drinks! I'm rather proud of myself. I've also been drinking a lot more water than I usually do. So all is good!

I've also been walking at least 15,000 steps a day, except for Saturday because I really didn't feel well, my chest really hurt (chest infection), I did still do a good amount of steps though.

How's everyone else doing with keeping fit, loosing weight and being healthy?

Sarah xXx

I thought it was about time to write an up to date update on how my weight loss & keeping fit challenge is going.

I wrote a blog post a few weeks ago about how I needed to loose weight, eat healthier and get fit! Well, I am not really sure how much weight I've lost but I know I have lost at least three pounds because one pair of my jeans is a little loose around my middle. Which is great! And so encouraging. I've also been using my pedometer, which I recently reviewed. I haven't been eating junk food or drinking fizzy drinks (with the exception of yesterday and one day last week, I had a small bottle of lucasade/can of coke - I feel like I totally let myself down but seriously, I was craving it SO bad).

I was a little bit disappointed last week as I treated myself to a new pair of boots. The thing is, they were almost knee high boots but I couldn't get the zip to do up around my leg. My leg was just too FAT! Ugh. So I had to send them back (they were such a bargain too. Boo). That has however, given me the incentive to keep on eating healthy, walking at least 15,000 steps a day (I did 21,545 steps yesterday!) and just generally being healthy! There have been days where I have a had a headache, making 15,000 steps is hard when you have a headache. Which sucks. But generally I am trying my very best. I'll treat myself to new boots when I've lost a few pounds. I do think I need to invest in some bathroom scales because I DO need to weigh myself and keep track of what weight I am loosing. The thing is though, I don't want to become obsessed with weighing myself. So I'll weigh myself once every two weeks.

I've had a banana for breakfast (I'm not a big lover of breakfast and could quite easily skip it tbh), for lunch I'll have toast (brown bread) with a little low fat butter and for a nack I'll have an apple or rivita. For dinner this evening, I'm going to have chicken, (brown) pasta with salad.  It's really hard to not eat the same as the kids but it'll all be so worth it.

Sarah xXx

Many of you might remember that a few weeks ago, I wrote about how I need to get fit and loose a little bit of weight. So, when I was asked if I would like to review the Ozeri 4x3sport Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer I of course said yes!

I seriously couldn't wait to try this little gadget! The Ozeri 4x3sport Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer not only calculates and displays how many steps you do in a day but it also records, calculates and displays the amount of daily steps, stairs climbed, calories burned and exercise time with the world's most advanced Tri-Axis technology. I really like the fact it tells me exactly how many minutes I've walked daily! Personally I think that is this little gadget is quite nifty and rather cool! 


It encourages me SO much to walk more, I always aim for 15,000 steps a day. I make sure I do those 15,000 steps a day and having the The Ozeri 4x3sport Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer, really does help. It not only encourages me to walk and exercise but it also encourages me to eat healthier, let me explain. For instance, if I burn 500 calories, it gives me incentive knowing, that I have burned those calories and NOT to eat junk food!

The The Ozeri 4x3sport Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer can record up to 1 million steps with it's built in memory for up to 30 days of activity. It also features a calender, a clock, as well as a sports timer. It's also used by professional athletes.

The The Ozeri 4x3sport Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer itself is 7.8 x 1.3 x 3.5 cm and is very slim (as you can see in the picture). It clips nicely to my jeans/leggins (etc) really nicely and stays clipped on. I actually even forget I'm wearing it most of the time, it's very comfortable! I usually have my T.shirt or sweater covering it, so it isn't even visible to other people. It looks stylish and it's really easy to read and use.


The pedometer comes nicely packaged, in a little plastic box, very easy to open. Inside it contains a tiny screw driver in case the battery needs changing. Speaking of the battery, it uses 1 CR2 batteries which is included along with a strap (which attaches easily to the pedometer). It also comes with a manual/instructions, too.

I seriously can not believe how accurate this little pedometer is. I really, really love it a lot. I don't go anywhere without it! I clip it onto my clothes in the morning, as soon as I wake up, wear it all day and then check in the evening how many steps I've done. I usually make 15,000 steps no problem (as long as I'm not poorly). I even wear it while doing the housework! It really is an unique and lovely little gadget to own. It's encouraging, too!

I would totally recommend this to anyone who is trying to get fit or even if your not trying to get fit, it's very encouraging and it's nice to know exactly how many steps you walk a day!

Sarah xXx

Disclosure: I was sent a sample of this product for the purpose of this review. I was not paid to review this product or write this post. All opinions are my own, honest, personal opinions.

linked up with: 
Tried & Tested.

It's no big secret that I have gained weight in the last year and a half, probably around a stone and a half. I am 5ft3 and weigh around 10-10.5 stone (around 140 off pounds). I don't know exactly how much I have gained and I don't know exactly how much I weigh, I am not going to be weighing myself regularly, I'm going to go by how my clothes fit. In the past I HAVE gone by how much I weigh and I end up just not eating and then binge eating on the wrong kind of foods - weighing myself is not the way to go for me at this time. I might weigh myself once every so often, when I KNOW I've lost weight. I know it might sound strange to some people but to me, it makes sense.

Now, while I know that I'm not by any means HUGE, I am certainly not -what I call- small. I've ALWAYS been a size 8-10 (waste) and 10-12 on top (thanks to my boobs), even when pregnant! I know as you get older, it's possible to gain weight and for metabolism to slow down and so on, it's time to start taking care of myself! This is the "biggest" I've ever been and I do not like it one bit. It's time to be honest, my size 10 jeans do no longer fit and I've noticed that size 12 are a little tight around my thighs (Although Tesco and peacocks size 12 are a little baggy in fact - depends where you buy from clothes from I guess, sizes vary). I have some really, really nice clothes in smaller sizes, which I would love to fit into. My first aim is though, for my size 12 from NEXT to fit me perfectly. And then I'll concentrate on the rest. THEY do fit but I feel uncomfortable around my thighs. They even look "ok" but I'm just not very confident wearing them. Do you know what I mean?

I am aiming to do 10,000 steps a day and eat healthy. I'm not going to count calories, just eat healthy. 10,000 steps should be easy for me as I walk EVERYWHERE and I do more housework and whatever else. I also have an exercise bike that I plan on using, I'll start off slowly and work my way up to a longer time/distance. I'll keep a weekly log of how much exercise I do and share it every Wednesday with the will will do it linky. 
I will say this - I really AM going to stick to this, I am SO determined to loose weight and fit into my winter clothes again. I NEED to do this.

Who else is trying to get fit or loose weight? Does anyone have any tips or advice they'd like to share with me? I'd love to hear your ideas. Or perhaps progress stories? Let me know in the comments :)

Sarah xXx

Recently I have been suffering with tummy ache after I've eaten certain foods. I also bloat a lot, too! Sometimes I bloat so much that I look like I'm seven month pregnant, which makes me really self conscious. More self conscious than I already am.
I've never, ever had this problem before, it just kind of... happened.

A few months ago, I was diagnosed with irritable bowl syndrome, however, the tablets I was prescribed don't do anything for the tummy ache or bloating. I was also diagnosed with acid reflux, which the tablets control really well!

I have since tried cutting out gluten, which has helped a lot! Don't get me wrong, I do still get bloated (especially after I've eaten bread) but not nowhere near like I was before, the tummy ache isn't as frequent either. I do think gluten has something to do with it but I haven't been officially diagnosed or anything (yet). I will mention it to my doctor at my next appointment though.

It's just weird that I haven't ever had anything like this before and now suddenly I've started to bloat, feel uncomfortable and suffer with tummy ache after I've eaten. It does only happen with certain foods. Pasta, bread, milk and anything too fatty are food that I try to avoid when I can. The cracking from the pork was a mistake! It's hard though, when I'm cooking the kids dinner, (meal planning etc) and it smells and looks so good. I do eat a lot of fresh foods now, rather than processed and fatty foods. I eat a lot of fruits and some veggies, etc.

I guess it's all trial and error at the moment. Finding foods that DO agree with me and eliminating those that don't.

So if any of you lovely people have any gluten free recipes or food products you think I should try, please feel free to share with me. Like I said, it's all trail and error at the moment.

Sarah xXx

1) I am so grateful for the NHS. I know it does get bashed an awful lot but honestly? Without it, we wouldn't be able to afford health care. Yes, there might be long waiting lists and yes they are incredibly short staffed.. there are lots of "faults" but we should all be very grateful that the NHS exsists! I'm grateful it does.. I am grateful they took good care of my nan on Saturday in A&E. I am glad we don't have to pay for medications (etc).

2) My eldest son turned ten years old on Sunday. I posted pics here. He is so, so grown up! I love watching him grow up (but sad at the same time, haha). I am so proud of him. :-) He said to me the other day "Mum, I am so lucky to have gotten new football boots and all my other birthday presents, thank you" Aww. That really made me smile. Little things like that really do go a long way.

3) The kids break up for half term on Friday! Yay!!! No school runs for a whole week. No school uniforms, packed lunches or rushing around! I'm looking forward to a well needed break and to spend some extra time with the kiddies. They're excited about Halloween and half term etc. =)

Sarah xXx