Diary of a cheese Soldier

cheesemisfit

cheesemisfit

New member
Hello thar! :),

My name is Dawn. I’m 27 years old and am currently living in Hertfordshire UK. I’ve been battling with my weight since I was around 22 years old. My weight ballooned drastically after a spell of unfortunate events in my life which ultimately lead to bouts of really bad depression, sleeping the day away, comfort eating and smoking weed. (eek!)

In the past 2 years I’ve had counselling, kicked the weed to the kerb, lost a stone and most importantly... entered a stable relationship with a beautiful, supportive and amazing gentleman who treats me like an absolute princess. Although I’m extremely proud of my progress, my fairytale is yet to receive its happy ending.

Even after dropping a stone, I’m still overweight and have fallen into the evil realms of yo-yo dieting. I developed a “mystery illness” over the last 6 months and as a result, had to take occasional days off work. I’ve recently been diagnosed with gallstones and my GP has advised me to lose weight, otherwise I’ll be putting my health in jeopardy.

I just want to knuckle down and stop all this yo-yo junk. I want do this for *me*. Not just to look good and feel good, but also for the good of my health. It’s going to be hard.. but I feel like I’m ready to do this. So, here I am! Ready for battle! :) x
 
STATS
Height: 4ft 11inches (1.50m)
Current weight (11th Nov 2010): 11st 7lbs (73.2kg)
BMI: 32.5
Goal weight: 9st 5lbs (59.42kg)

DOWNFALLS
Getting depressed and then thinking negative thoughts (leading to overeating)
Having a bad day and comfort eating
Pizza
Cheese, cheese and more cheese (I love cheese!)
Bacon (one of the main triggers of my gallbladder pains)
Chocolate
Donuts
Sweet things (I have an extreme sweet tooth!)
Eggs (again, one of the main triggers of pain)

DISLIKES
Mushrooms
Liver
Celery
Olives (ANY variety)
Artichokes
Most seafood (but I like fish, except the one below!)
Salmon
Chillis (I’m a wuss with hot/spicy food, lol)
Tomatoes (uncooked)
Capers

I'd like to mention that I'm not following any "particular" diet right now. I'm just following my GP's instructions to cut down on fatty foods and being sensible and listing what I'm putting into my body. I'm trying to find alternative foods to combat my depression and my cravings... rather than reaching for the nearest biscuit or that oh-so-dangerous slice of cheddar!
 
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MONDAY 8TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Sustain with skimmed milk
1 cup of green tea
MORNING SNACK
¼ pack of dried berry mix (strawberries, cranberries, cherries, blueberries)
1 cup of green tea
1 medium banana
LUNCH
Egg tagliatelle with non-fat Greek yogurt, low fat cream cheese, shredded ham slices and sweetcorn
1 pint skimmed milk
DINNER
Small pot of cherry tomatoes, shredded basil & a slice of mozzarella
Small bowl of root vegetable and butternut squash soup
EVENING SNACK
1 slice of wholemeal toast with peanut butter
1 cup of tea with milk

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TUESDAY 9TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Peach and Apricot with skimmed milk
1 cup of green tea
MORNING SNACK
¼ pack of dried berry mix (strawberries, cranberries, cherries, blueberries)
1 cup of green tea
5 cherry tomatoes
LUNCH
Packet of char grilled chicken breast
Pack of pomegranate fruit pieces
AFTERNOON SNACK
Handful of dried apricots
DINNER
Mini thai spiced chicken and lemongrass chicken wraps (mostly made of vegetables. The “wrap” was made of sliced radishes!)
EVENING SNACK
1 Clementine
1 bag of low fat cheese & onion crisps
2 small bottles of apple & melon juice (I went out with a friend. Had these instead of alcohol)

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WEDNESDAY 10TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Peach and Apricot with skimmed milk
1 cup of green tea
MORNING SNACK
1 cup of green tea
1 Clementine
2 slices of Soreen malt loaf
LUNCH
Low fat chicken ceasar salad wrap
DINNER
Turkey breast stir fry
1 serving of petis pois
EVENING SNACK
2 slices of Soreen malt loaf
½ pint of skimmed milk

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THURSDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Peach and Apricot with skimmed milk
1 cup of green tea
MORNING SNACK
1 cup of green tea
Handful of dried apricots
LUNCH
1 jacket potato with 200g of low fat cottage cheese
DINNER
Roast cod with mixed veg (carrots, broccoli & sweetcorn) and 1 roasted sweet potato
EVENING SNACK
2 Jaffa cakes
1 Nairns oatcake with 1tbsp low fat cottage cheese
3 small turkey breast slices with 1tbsp light salad cream
3 glasses of rum & coke

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FRIDAY 12TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Sustain with skimmed milk
1 cup of green tea
MORNING SNACK
Handful of dried apricots
LUNCH
1 jacket potato with 200g of low fat cottage cheese
DINNER
Home-made tuna & sweetcorn pasta bake (whole-wheat fusilli pasta, 1 tbsp mayonnaise, ¼ pot fat-free natural Greek yoghurt, 1 can tinned tuna, ½ can sweetcorn)
1 serving of petis pois
EVENING SNACK
1 cup of tea with milk
1 low fat chocolate caramel bar
1 low fat pack of prawn cocktail crisps
1 toasted cheese & tomato ketchup sandwich (wholemeal bread)
1 slice of Soreen malt loaf

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SATURDAY 13TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 slice of wholegrain toast with almond butter
MORNING SNACK
1 cup of green tea
LUNCH
Home-made shepherds pie with mixed veg (carrots, broccoli & sweetcorn)
1 cup of tea with milk
1 handful of Belgian chocolate covered honeycomb pieces
1 handful of Belgian chocolate covered popcorn
DINNER
Sweet and sour chicken slices, sweet and sour prawns (from Chinese takeaway)
EVENING SNACK
1 cup of tea with milk
½ pint of skimmed milk
OTHER
1 bottle of mixed fruit cider
3 bottles of Sol lager

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SUNDAY 14TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Peach and Apricot with skimmed milk
1 cup of tea with milk
DINNER
Sunday roast – 3 slices of roast pork, 4 roast potatoes, 1 serving of petis pois, 1 serving of carrots, 4 Brussel sprouts, 1 Yorkshire pudding, 2 tbsp of apple sauce, 1 small pot of gravy
1 small glass of lemonade
EVENING SNACK
1 cup of tea with milk
1 slice of Soreen malt loaf
½ pint of skimmed milk
1 jaffa cake
1 handful of Belgian chocolate covered honeycomb pieces
 
Wow looks like you're doing really good with your nutrition. Keep it up!
I love cheese too. Mmm sharp cheddar, pepper jack, parm, brie...everything except Swiss.
 
Hey! I love cheese too!! Feta and mozzarella especially but really any of them are yummy! =) And u don't even have to have crackers...no? Just straight up cheese! lol
 
Hi there when I saw the tittle I needed to read! I am also a cheese lover and I work at a cheese factory but I getting better at battling the craving!

Congrats on kicking the herb to the kerb....I saw my hubby going throught that years ago and I know he found it really hard.

You seem to be doing great nutrition wise so keep it up!
 
Hi Cheesy, :seeya:
Nicw to meet you and well done on making such awesome changes. I was a savage pot head back in the day (have been drug free for 9 years now YAY!) and know how hard it is to stop too. Bloody good job!

Congratulation on the new man too, he sounds like a keeper :)

Keep up the great work and I'll keep popping in to say hi and keep you motivated!


Jess :hat:
 
Awww thanks so much guys! I actually can't stop gleaming from your kind words and for how wonderfully supported I feel. :) Hopefully I'll be able to take some time out & cheer each of you on your journeys too! :) Thanks so so much :))) x
 
So yesterday was "weigh day" so I trundled sheepishly onto the scales to discover the amount I've lost over the last week annnndd.. *drum roll* I've lost 1lb (half a kilo).

Was pretty disappointed at first cos I had my hopes set on losing 2lb (1 kilo), BUT, I've since realised that those kinda evil, pointless thoughts stem from my nasty negative brain! And I've only been at this a week! Jeeze, I don't half know how to give myself a hard time! :p A loss of any kind is better than no loss or even a gain so, hurrah!!! :) Also, 1lb is equivalent to a bag of sugar! So yes, feeling better & am currently tinkering with some goals to help me get the most out of this :) x
 
Don't be disapointed Cheesy, that's a great loss, and you're on your way now :)

Funny you should compare it to a bad of sugar lol, I tend to think of my weight loss in the form of butter! Every time we go grocery shopping I pick up my equivalent of loss in butter or margarine and it makes me feel great!

It's nice to be able to visualise it hey?

Well done mate :coolgleamA:
 
Aww thanks tons Jess :) A friend actually told me about the sugar thing. She also told me that if I lose the "sugar" slower, it's more likely to stay off!

This morning I put on a pair of trousers I usually bulge over the top of.. And they're not nipping or bulging half as much so I must be doing something right, hey? :)

I'm going to have to hunt down your diary & keep tabs on you also lady Jess :) Thanks you diamond you :) xxx
 
Hello Dawn! I was asked by my cousin once after I lost some weight "who stole your cheese?" because thats the only she figured she'd be able to lose it.

Looks like you are doing a good job so far. and oh my 4'11" you are just a li'l bitty thing huh? At 6' 7" My reference might be skewed of course... :)

Nice to meet you!
 
Nice to meet you too cabbie! :) *tips hat* Hahaha, thats quite funny! So where DID you hide that cheese? I've shoved mine in the dustbin!! :) x
 
GOALS (22Nov)

**Try not to eat after 6pm. This may be a tad difficult as I work a 10am-7pm shift Monday to Friday. Usually when I get home, I run around like mad hatter cooking food for my partner and for the next day. Being around all that food sure makes one hungersome! BUT, I’m going to try cooking whilst sucking a boiled sweet. Hopefully it'll deter me from the dreaded munch!

**Drink more water. Simply because I constantly forget to drink!

**Do some exercise. I’ve been suffering with major lack of motivation with this one. I'm absolutely exhausted when I flop into my house after work at around 8pm & just can't muster up the strength to do anything! :/ Weekends are difficult also as they are choc-full with socialising, chores, cleaning, shopping & every other little thing I don't have time for in the week! Anyway, there is a glimmer of hope as work have swapped my shifts round on Mondays and Thursdays up until xmas, so I should get home a little earlier and hope to motivate myself to shake my butt a little!! :)
 
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MONDAY 15TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Peach and Apricot with skimmed milk
MORNING SNACK
2 slices of Soreen malt loaf
Handful of dried apricots
LUNCH
Roast cod with mixed veg (carrots, broccoli & sweetcorn)
DINNER
1 can Weight Watchers chicken noodle soup
1 slice of wholegrain bread
Egg tagliatelle with non-fat Greek yogurt, shredded ham slices and sweetcorn
EVENING SNACK
2 Jaffa cakes

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TUESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Sustain with skimmed milk
1 cup of green tea
MORNING SNACK
Sliced apples and grapes
LUNCH
Egg tagliatelle with non-fat Greek yogurt, shredded ham slices and sweetcorn
DINNER
Pasta shells with low fat cheese filling, tomato salsa dressing and roasted red peppers
2 slices of pineapple
1 slice of mango
EVENING SNACK
1 apple
2 slices of Soreen malt loaf
¼ pint of skimmed milk

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WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Sustain with skimmed milk
1 cup of green tea
MORNING SNACK
Handful of dried apricots
1 banana
LUNCH
1 grilled turkey steak with mixed veg (carrots, broccoli & sweetcorn)
1 small pot of no fat peach yoghurt
DINNER
Chicken Caesar salad
1 can of Weight Watchers leek & potato soup
EVENING SNACK
1 boiled sweet

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THURSDAY 18TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Sustain with skimmed milk
MORNING SNACK
Small pot of cherry tomatoes, shredded basil & a slice of mozzarella
1 banana
LUNCH
1 jacket potato with baked beans
1 apple
1 pint of skimmed milk
1 cup of lemon & ginger tea
DINNER
Chicken salad with chilli (VERY mild), lime & coriander dressing
Yogurt and granola in a pot with sliced strawberries on top and raspberries, redcurrants, blackberries and blueberries on the bottom
EVENING SNACK
1 packet of BBQ Hula Hoop crisps (noooo!)
1 small slither of chocolate cake (again, nooo! :p)

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FRIDAY 19TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 slice of wholegrain toast with almond butter
1 banana
MORNING SNACK
½ cupful of fresh blueberries
LUNCH
½ a huge turkey salad wrap (tortilla wrap filled with turkey breast chunks, lettuce, chunks of tomato, chunks of cucumber, sweetcorn, a *tiny* sprinkle of cheddar cheese & low fat ceasar dressing)
DINNER
The other ½ of my big ass turkey salad wrap!
3 jaffa cakes
EVENING SNACK
Tuna mayonnaise and sweetcorn sandwich on wholegrain bread, with low fat spread. (unfortunately, the mayo was full fat because we didn’t have any other mayo style dressing in the house. Must purchase some!)
OTHER
½ pack of vegetable crisps
1 finger of Fudge chocolate
5 glasses of blueberry vodka & slimline tonic

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SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 cup of tea (skim milk, 1 sugar)
Small pot of no-fat peach yogurt with 1 sliced apple & ½ tsp of honey
LUNCH
Quorn stir fry with low-fat noodles, steamed cabbage and leek
AFTERNOON SNACK
½ a kiwi fruit
2 jaffa cakes
DINNER
6 cherry tomatoes, ¼ ball of mozzarella, shredded basil leaves
EVENING SNACK
½ cup of cookie crisp cereal (dry)
4 cups of tea (skim milk, no sugar)

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SUNDAY 21ST NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 cup of coffee (skim milk, no sugar)
1 slice of wholemeal toast with low-fat spread, ½ can of baked beans, 2 fried egg whites, small blob of tomato ketchup
MORNING SNACK
1 small apple
LUNCH
I made turkey fajitas for lunch & substituted all the “usual” ingredients for low fat options :) Filling: turkey, 1 red pepper, 1 green pepper, 1 large onion, Ol Del Paso BBQ spices. Dressings: Low-fat cheese, no-fat greek yoghurt, chopped tomatoes, low-fat salsa, reduced-fat guacamole. 2 x low-fat tortilla wraps (I never KNEW normal tortillas contain SO MUCH fat!)
1 glass of diluted blackcurrant cordial
DINNER
1 bowl of Special K Red Berries with skimmed milk
1 cup of green tea
EVENING SNACK
2 slices of Soreen malt loaf
1 pint of skim milk

Sunday exercise: 45 mins uphill walking on the treadmill. Killed 240 calories! :hurray:

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I’ve noticed that over the last 2 weeks, I’ve not had one singular craving for all the ultra-bad cheesy things I’d usually eat, but I’ve been craving milk with a passion!! On Thursday last week, I happily chomped through my jacket potato and beans at lunch.. then came the OVERWHELMING craving for milk. It was so strong; I literally dragged my ass out in the blistering cold to the nearest shop to buy a pint! What is with that? I know it’s skim milk, so it’s not *that* bad, but it’s bloating me and giving me the ultra-embarrassing fart gremlins! *blush* :blush5: Can anyone recommend a satisfying alternative or give advice on how I can stop glugging away at the white stuff?!

 
Hidey Ho Cheesy :)

Man your food journal is great! I think you're doing so well, I'm proud of you mate.
About the milk, that's so weird! I'm lactose intolerant and I get similar reactions if I drink it (so I don't lol) but I have no idea what you can substitute it with. Soy milk might be a go-er but I'd say it might be higher than skim milk in cals...

I think it's a way better craving to have than junk food anyway :smilielol5:

I reckon your goals are really good too. Not eating at night has been my most succesful thing for sure (I used to hit the chocolate and ice cream every night) and I drink about 3 to 4 litres of water a day.

Your motivation will come as you feel better/lose a bit more. My thing was I always hated exercising so I had to find someting fun. I started using the Wii Fit and then the more exercise I did, the more I wanted to do! Now I'm really enjoying all different kinds of working out :)

Great news about the pants too - it feels so good to actually see a difference!
 
Omg weird isn't it? I also didn't think I was sensitive to Mr Lactose, but... no idea!! I couldn't work out why my bottom can't remain silent! At first I figured it was just effect of vast change of diet but then my sister mentioned she had problems with milk and bottom burps! When I drink less, I'm fine... but it's so hard to drink little when it TASTE SO GOOOODDD! *insert crazy, swirly hypnotic eyes here* AHEM... anyway, you're right... it is better than craving a ton of junk, only smellier, lmao! :p

3 to 4 litres a day? Woow, that sure is a lot of trips up and down to the loo! :p But, whilst you're running up and down I suppse you're burning off more cals. Maybe I should take a leaf from your water-glugging book & then persuade my other half to install our toilet atop of a huuuuuuuuuuuuugeeee spiral staircase. GOODBYE CALORIES! :) Hehehehe! It won't be as fun as the wii fit but it's certainly an amusing thought!! Rofl oh god. I have to stop it with toilet humour. I'm a sucker for it. *shakes head* :)

I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED a wii! They do look SO MUCH fun! Sadly we've only just moved in together and are desperately trying to save for a bigger TV cos wii would be an absolute killjoy on a 12inch screen!! :eek:

Anyhow, gotta run to the gym quickly before the night wears on and I'm still sitting on my ass! *whooosh!* Thanks for your wonderful support as always Jessybeans! Love ya gurl! x
 
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Hi, thanks for dropping by my diary. I'm originally from Luton but lived a while in Hithin. Whereabouts in Hertforshire are you?
As suggested it sounds like you could be lactose intolerant if you are having problems after drinking milk. My sister gets bloated and windy but always craves milk. Mention it to your doctor. I think there are special milks you can drink if it turns out you are. Cheese is one thing I have had to stop having in the house. You can do so much damage so quickly with a lump of cheese!!!!!!
 
for the record, whilst the problems do not sound like fun at all, the description is priceless... Yuck...


I have had liited exposure to soy milk, I'm not really a big fan but th eflavored varieties are not bad.
 
thecabbie said:
for the record, whilst the problems do not sound like fun at all, the description is priceless... Yuck....
Click to expand...

Hahaha, I know it's not ladylike AT ALL cabbie... but it's true :blush5: Minus the humor it's started to get on my nerves... and my partners... as you can imagine!

Ecky - Thanks for the advice love. :) Will have a word in le docs ear next time we rendevouz and see what he says. Wow! Luton?? Hitchin?!! Small world isn't it? I actually live in Hitchin! How long did you live here for? When did you last pay a visit? Must say, it dosnt change much... but the government are planning to redevelop the outdoor market area of the town. God knows when that will take place tho! Funny how I ended up in Hitchin... such a small, but beautiful lil place. I Was born and bred in Sheffield, then moved to London for 6 years... and then jotted away to Hitchin to be with my bloke. He's a total country bumpkin (oooh arrr, ohh arr! :p) & I'm a crazy city gal... so we had to make some kind of compromise!

Whilst I am at the computer and still have some beans left in me, here is todays activity.

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MONDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
BREAKFAST
1 bowl of Special K Red Berries with skimmed milk
1 cup of green tea
MORNING SNACK
1 cup of lemon & ginger tea
1 low-fat apple & blackberry cereal bar
1 apple
LUNCH
Roasted lemon sole with salsa & roasted cherry tomatoes, mixed veg (carrots, broccoli & sweetcorn)
1 packet of Malteasers (It was an accident, I swear! :p)
DINNER
1 cup of Covent Garden winter vegetable soup
1 plum
EVENING SNACK
1 slice of Soreen malt loaf

Monday exercise: 50 mins uphill walking on the treadmill. Incline set a level higher than last (8). Kept breaking out into little sprints! Killed 310 calories. Bye bye accidental bag of Malteasers! (and then some!)

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I got home at the earlier time of 6:20m today and usually with so much time to spare before bedtime, I’d sit on my ass.. or nap.. or procrastinate my life away on endless (and pointless!) websites.. BUT NOT TONIGHT! NOOO SIREE! After a short spell of procrastinating on online games and a few moments of frantic typing.. I dragged me down to the gym and did 50 whole minutes on the treadmill! I am GLEAMING! :) Just seeing those calories rack up (or rather, rack down.. mwhahaha!) on the machine and listening to Britney Spears tinkling merrily away in my ears, made me somewhat relentless. I reached my plateau around 22 mins but kept driving onwards and by the time I’d looked at the clock again, I was 37 mins in! :D Kept breaking out into short sprints too... not for too long.. but it’s a start. I feel good. :) But now.. it’s gone 10pm.. how the hell do I kill this adrenaline and sleep?! :p Might read through the Oxford Dictionary, tee hee.. :p

Anyhow, I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the advice and support recently. It really does mean a ton. I’ve not been spending as much time as I’d like on here because of the pressures of work (booo, hisss!) but can already feel some friendships forming and must say, you guys are GREAT! For now, goodnight... or goodmorning.. wherever you are :) *huggsss* Take care.. and if you can’t be good.. be careful :) x
 
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