Diary of Semi-Neurotic Ex-Secretary Soon-to-be-Sexier Sophia

sophia28

sophia28

Member
OK so here goes :)

Here I am, fat, single, currently unemployed -- was made redundant a year ago and still haven't found a job. It's not looking good.

OK i'm not going to make this a pity party :nopity:

I used to be a fit , avid exerciser (running mainly), but sloooowly have transformed myself into a tub of lard and am determined to get back to tip top shape again.

Just 2 years ago I weighed 115 pounds, now I'm at 163 !

Lots of ups and downs in my life have contributed to this the above ^^ --mostly the job & house situation, but I hope this year to turn things around.

Briefly about me, I am quite a difficult person, rather moody which makes dieting difficult, but can be very determined as heck if I put my mind to something. I am also deathly shy and not the most sociable of people, as a result.... hmmm I sound dreadful (lol).:ack2:

I am passionate about films, horror or foreign mostly, love music, reading books (biographies & true crime), beaches, small dogs, coffee, marlboro cigarettes, Bizarre and Viz magazines, jaffa muffins and many other things.

I shall be posting here my eating and exercise on a regular basis and will see how things go. I reckon it will keep me motivated.....

I really, really need to make things better this year.

No more this ----> :piggy: but sexy, slim and feeling great instead.:hurray:
 
Quick note of exercise done over past week:-

22 Jan : Leslie Sansone 4 mile walk (59 mins) + Element Ballet Conditioning (51 mins)

23 Jan : Nell McAndrew Ultimate Challenge (1 hr 20 mins)

24 Jan : Rest day

25 Jan : Leslie Sansone 3 mile walk (46 mins) + Crunch Pilates/Yoga Blend (42 mins)

26 Jan : Nell McAndrew Ultimate Challenge (1 hr 20 mins)

27 Jan : Jillian Michael's 30-Day-Shred Level One (20 mins) + Crunch Pilates/Yoga Blend (42 mins)

28 Jan : Crunch Burn & Firm Pilates cardio & weights (48 mins)

My goal is at least 45 mins of sustained aerobic exercise every day with one rest day if I really need it.

Food diary for today (28 Jan):

Breakfast: 1 slice toast with half fat cheddar
Lunch: 1 slice toast with half fat cheddar
Dinner: 140g skinless chicken breast, big salad with low fat caesar salad dressing, half a small baguette.
Snack: 1 Jaffa Mini Roll
 
whoooh! hehe omgosh you use the leslie sansone mile dvds as well?! lol that is my cardio... i use the walk slim 4 miles i love it^^

you are really switching it up. great job with your working out^^ just make sure you dont overdo it and burn out D: have a lovely day =D
 
Thanks for your words of encouragement Angelica, you're a star.:Angel_anim:

Leslie's DVD's are great aren't they !

I am surprised at how much I work up a sweat when I do them - always very pleasantly surprised. She's also very encouraging, albeit a bit over-chatty, bless her. :)

They are a very good way to get in some good cardio but in a super-safe low impact way, and they make me feel great.

I won't be overdoing the exercise, since I'm so used to 'listening' to my body and knowing its needs (thanks to years of dieting and working out) so no burn-out worries here -- but I know what you mean, it's soooooo easily done.

Good luck to you too, we'll be skinny minnies in no time and super-fit flexible ones at that !! :hurray::hurray:
 
sophia28 said:
Briefly about me, I am quite a difficult person, rather moody which makes dieting difficult, but can be very determined as heck if I put my mind to something. I am also deathly shy and not the most sociable of people, as a result.... hmmm I sound dreadful (lol).:ack2:
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You sound just like me! :sifone: You'll be fine!

I'd eat a bit more if I were you, but its up to you! I'm trying to become a runner; my legs aren't likeing it! lol
 
Gen said:
You sound just like me! :sifone: You'll be fine!
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Wooh, glad to hear that! Normally I feel like I'm in my own little 'weirdo' balloon and everyone outside is normal. :conehead: :)

I wish you luck with the running - keep it up, it is sooo worth it and with practice your legs will start loving it. I know when i was jogging they eventually started begging me to get out there and run as much as possible, believe it or not. Ah... those were the days. :) :)

About the eating - I normally eat a bit more, but today I just literally did not have time.

Trust me I'm far from a total angel when it comes to dieting, normally I suck at it haha. But yeah, keeping busy is so helpful to dieting - mind you I wouldn't say I was 'busy' in a constructive way, mainly going out with my friend for coffee, working out and then bumming around on the internet, lol.

Love your avatar pic by the way ! Take care :)
 
Well, just a final food entry before I hit the sack. :):)

Bedtime snack: 1 mini jaffa roll with cup of tea with 1 sugar and 1 sweetener (am trying to eliminate sugar in tea, but it takes time! this is the easiest way for me)

Just a few final thoughts I wanted to put down about working out just to motivate me & inspire me as I go along.

Right now I've been back to working out for a month and I just love the changes I can see to my body already, and it's a bonus to have lost 4 lbs. :)

I am less bothered about weight loss compared to the changes in how my clothes fit/how I look in the mirror, to be honest, that's what really counts for me; and already I am seeing positive changes. Which is all cool.

E.g. my stomach is no longer all bloated and hanging loose, instead it is tightening up and looking halfway respectable :)

Tomorrow I need to get a tape measure so I can keep an eye on inches lost (if any!!) as those are important.

So here's to a firmer, fitter and more flexible body. I feel like I have become a stiff old bag who can barely reach her toes (lol) :D

If it wasn't for these other reasons, I probably wouldn't exercise as much.
I just love seeing how much progress I make each time with my DVD's - when I first started I was out of breath after 5/10 mins whereas now I can go on for the whole session feeling fine .......... and also I can see that I have better form in my movements, and more advanced in my squats, lunges, etc. so they are all the more effective. :hurray:

I just hate being unfit -- makes me feel slobby and miserable and somehow powerless. I stopped working out for a whole year and that was dumb :dupe:but I had a lot of stuff going on so I'm not gonna beat myself up too much.

In the meantime I am building strength, stamina and muscle through various workouts (I believe variation is key otherwise muscles get too used to the movements and you stop progressing)
and also hoping to elongate my muscles to look better and give me better posture.

Pilates/yoga workouts are excellent for this; I find they work for me very well in that respect. MY core is so much stronger in one month and that is so important for all-round fitness and posture.:)

I must remember that when I stop working out I get crabby and headachy and it just doesn't sit well with me generally. So I'm glad I've managed to keep this up for a month ....... and will do for many months more, I hope!!

I love this site there is so much to read and take in and so motivational and inspiring. :Angel_anim:
 
omgosh i totally feel ya, girl! for a little while i wasnt even able to touch my toes o: i used to be able to put my palms to the floor... im getting closer everyday^^ my fingers completely on the floor... i love being in shape... i just cant wait to get there... i never intend to take it for granted again =P

lol... im not hoping you continue for months... i know you will^^
 
Ooh I just posted on your diary and realised you'd posted on mine when I finished. Telepathy! :)

Just a quick thanks for the encouragement again before I get to bed -- cos now I really must get to bed! --- I do hope I continue for months (i hope and pray) because yes the results are so worth it.

I'm glad you know what I mean, I used to be able to put my palms on the floor too, now I can only reach toes with the tips of my fingers, and feel like a loooooooser haha !!:dupe: You're so right, fitness should never be taken for granted, and like everything that requires hard work, it reaps HUGE rewards. :Angel_anim:

Good luck to both of us, I'm sure we'll stick it out, this site helps so much. {{{Hugs}}}
 
hehe yeah this site is amazing... im soo glad i found it... seriously i dont believe i could stick it out on my own.. when i feel bad i dont have anyone who can relate to me and my weight problem in day to day life. D: you meet amazing people here^^
 
I love running really, I just wish I could do it more. I've been waiting for 1 Feb so I can get some new trainers and see if that's the problem, which I think it is. 6 months ago it wasn't this bad.

And I totally know what you mean about feeling better psychologically when you exercise regularly. When I figured that one out I made my husband promise to throw me out of the house to get moving if I ever started slacking off! ;)
 
Gen said:
I love running really, I just wish I could do it more. I've been waiting for 1 Feb so I can get some new trainers and see if that's the problem, which I think it is. 6 months ago it wasn't this bad.

And I totally know what you mean about feeling better psychologically when you exercise regularly. When I figured that one out I made my husband promise to throw me out of the house to get moving if I ever started slacking off! ;)
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Wow, uncanny. :) My ex-bf can tell you for a fact that I made him swear several times to 'hit me over the head with a heavy object' if I ever stopped working out. This was in my running days. We broke up before I stopped running, thankfully. Lol.

As to the trainers prob you mentioned ... from material I have read in books/internet, and also from personal experience, I believe they play a pretty vital role.

I always found that if I did not have the right shoe I would end up having a majorly-sucky run. And right shoe meant completely perfect fit (half size bigger than normal shoe size for me, as my feet swell), not laced too tight for breathing space, and enough cushioning to help with joints and give me more sprint. <---- Especially important if running on asphalt, as I was.

I always found myself better off with Nike Air shoes, they always worked for me but I know there are loads of fab brands out there to choose from.

After 6 months' regular running your trainers have probably worn away a bit round the bottom and sides (mine used to) loosened up and just a bit bummed out, which used to happen to mine too!! and therefore might not be giving you as much effective support and help while you run.

That's just my non-profesh opinion, but I had the exact same thing when I was a runner, and felt such a difference when I renewed my shoes every 5/6mths or thereabouts.

So yeah I think you ought to look into a new pair in Feb for sure--- perhaps limit your running for next couple of days until then, as you don't want to cause injuries or anything. Best of luck with that !! :) :) I know how frustrating it can be when you want to run and can't!!! Hope it gets better. :)
 
Thanks! I've been teetering on the edge of injury for months now! I'll run once or twice on the treadmill during the week and then my legs will hurt and I'll switch to the elliptical for a week or two until they feel better. And then repeat. :( If I run outside on the pavement it's even worse, which is too bad because its sooo satisfying to have a good run outside accomplished! But I should be all set by this weekend now! I'm so excited!

Oh yeah, the avatar is a reference to the 6 week new years challenge that I'm a part of here. I'm in "Team Sweet Cheeks" so I've changed my av to reflect that! I hope to have a pic of me instead when its done just after Valentines Day! (Maybe, we'll see how I feel about it lol).
 
hmm... i will start training to run... in the fall i think... hopefully then i will have a job soo i can by new trainers... i love the feeling of running though... making such long strides versus walking or jogging. =D

lol i am also in a valentines day challenge... 0__o i didnt realize how close the end was until now... good luck with your challenge gen!

hahah sophia... thinking of palms to the floor... i was in the bath last night.... supposed to be relaxing... =P and it was a total palms to the tub sort of moment... lol i held it too xD

i seriously want to be like an octopus flexible :]
 
Gen said:
Thanks! I've been teetering on the edge of injury for months now! I'll run once or twice on the treadmill during the week and then my legs will hurt and I'll switch to the elliptical for a week or two until they feel better. And then repeat. :( If I run outside on the pavement it's even worse, which is too bad because its sooo satisfying to have a good run outside accomplished! But I should be all set by this weekend now! I'm so excited!

Oh yeah, the avatar is a reference to the 6 week new years challenge that I'm a part of here. I'm in "Team Sweet Cheeks" so I've changed my av to reflect that! I hope to have a pic of me instead when its done just after Valentines Day! (Maybe, we'll see how I feel about it lol).
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Cool-sounding challenge, that!
I'll read up on it when I have a sec. Speaking of sweet cheeks, just the other week I splashed out on a load of new gorgeous girly sexy La Senza knickers (5 for £12 - not bad) in a smaller size ---- another incentive to lose weight or what!! Well that was my excuse anyway.:)

Re; running outside, I agree, nothing beats that exhilarating feeling of dashing through the fresh air like you're flying; I used to love that especially when I had a supersonically great playlist on my mini iPod. Just heavenly. Hope you get trainers sorted asap!


AngelicaHope said:
hmm... i will start training to run... in the fall i think... hopefully then i will have a job soo i can by new trainers... i love the feeling of running though... making such long strides versus walking or jogging. =D

lol i am also in a valentines day challenge... 0__o i didnt realize how close the end was until now... good luck with your challenge gen!

hahah sophia... thinking of palms to the floor... i was in the bath last night.... supposed to be relaxing... =P and it was a total palms to the tub sort of moment... lol i held it too xD

i seriously want to be like an octopus flexible :]
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Hey thanks for stopping by, always nice to see ya:)
Wow makes me feel like I ought to take up some challenge myself now too, everyone seems to be doing a valentines day challenge of some sort.
There's just so much to read on this board, I can't keep up!!

Anyway, yep, I am hoping to start running in perhaps 2/3 months time. (a bit optimistic but I'll try probably the couch to 5k method if it's too hard).

I mean Leslie Sansone does work up a sweat because of her superfast pace and doing all her kicks and bent knee side steps - as well as sneaking in a quick jog on the 5-miler - but it does actually make me a bit frustrated cos I just want to get out there and have a proper run. :)

I had a good giggle at the thought of you practicing toe touching in the bath --- I am getting sooooo flexible with this yoga & pilates, like you wouldn't believe. I do it in between my cardio sessions and helps to get me all stretched out.

I highly recommend Ellen Barrett's DVD's she is a fanastically motivating trainer, and has such lovely flowing (yet challenging) moves, that I feel so refreshed, taller and stronger when I do her workouts.
I'm going to also try callanetics, although it looks a teensy bit intimidating at the mo - not quite ready for that yet.

We'll get so octopus-like flexible, we'll be able to put our legs behind our ears eventually ..... you'll see !!!:):)
 
Checking in for food and exercise update for today:

Exercise
Leslie Sansone 5 mile advanced walk (65 mins)
First time I did the 5 mile - deffo broke a sweat, was v. fast paced, and I enjoyed it. Really felt like I'd worked out because of all the steps and a few jogs here and there. But I'm getting a bit bored with WATP so I think I'll be switching to something a bit more challenging. Dunno, I'll see.
+ Jillian Michael 30 Day Shred Level One (20 mins)
This one's painful; I've done it twice and it's still hard. I can't understand how I find this hard when I can happily sail through Nell McAndrew's U.C. workout without any probs when that is much harder work and is 1 hr 20 mins long!. It's a mystery. :confused: But mainly I'm just not enjoying this one. Might be the crap music or Jillian's attitude, I'm not sure. Might give this it a couple more tries or give it a miss altogether.

Food
Breakfast: 2 slices brown bread, 1 slice half fat cheddar
Lunch: 2 slices brown bread, 68g tuna in brine, 1 tbsp red. fat mayo
Dinner: 70g wholemeal spaghetti with my homemade sauce (grill onions in 1 tbsp of oil, then add tinned chopped tomatoes and finally 1 tbsp of quark nonfat cheese), tomato salad (low fat caesar dressing)
Snack: 1 Jaffa mini roll
1/4 pint of milk used in various coffees during the day
Probably will have bedtime snack of Jaffa mini roll with cup of tea with 1 sugar

^^ 'citing stuff eh. ^^

My food choices are usually mind-numbingly boring but I just cannot bring myself to jazz it up, I have neither the imagination nor the inclination; I just can't be bothered to tax my brain wondering what to prepare for my next meal. Gawwwdd no. My brain's already too full of silly junk worrying myself sick all the time, there's no room for anything else. :conehead::bigear:

Feeling a bit blah tonight, but hey, gotta keep truckin' on. :auto:
 
I signed up for this challenge almost as soon as I joined the forum. I'm glad I did because it kickstarted the weightloss that I've been gearing up for since Nov/Dec time. I've done really well and totally suggest trying it. I'm planning on scaling back to maintenence calories around Valentines and then starting again after a two week break just as hard core.

I should be going to some specialist store on Saturday where they watch you run and analyze it to help you choose the right trainers. Yay!

I have one pilates DVD which isn't too bad, a little boring. A bit too relaxing I think; it should be harder. There's a kickboxing one I have on my amazon wish list I'm hoping for! :)
 
Hiya!!

Hiya!!:seeya:

I just read your intro to the boards in the newcomer section. I think it is wonderful you are so dedicated to becoming a healthier you. I am jumping back on the bandwagon. Taking the trip all the way... u know ...

Tomorrow I am taking my coach on a nice thirty minute walk to Hannafords. We are going shopping tomorrow and there is no way we are taking the bus. but wow, you do 45 minutes at least.

I used to do that, and jog. Jogging was wonderful. When I first started doing it , it was difficult. I had never been able to do it.

but I hope to get back in shape. I know I will...

but you really can inspire peeps. Like you have inspired me. Just listening to you on your diary and what not has sparked me to do speed walks in the snow lol

I love snow!

anyway I hope you have a great, wonderful night and I hope you dont mind me visiting your diary.

best wishes...
Natsky:seeya:
 
Hey Natsky, nice to see ya. :D
Of course, you are welcome to visit ANY time you want to pop into listen to my tired old ramblings!

Actually I'm chuffed to bits to know that I inspired you - that made me feel great, to know that I could do that!!

I shall be stopping by your Diary later , to give you a wave. :seeya:

Best of luck to you on your journey to fitness, and yep I am too convinced you'll be back in shape before long, with enough perserverance and returning regularly here for tips advice and support, I'm sure we can do it !!

As a fellow 'ex-jogger' you, like me, have an additional reason to want to go back to fit and healthy, so we can get out there and run like the wind haha. ......more like limp for 5 mins in my case right now lol. :)

Well, gotta be positive in this game - only thing that keeps you going.

Speed-walks in the snow sound wonderful, by the way!

Take care :)
 
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Urrgh....... today I have a sense of impending doom lingering over me like a big black cloud. Damn thing keeps coming back when i least expect it.
Hmmmm.

Probably the job thing or infact, prob because my head's not happy unless it's got something to worry about or be miserable about.

The job situation is just worse than awful; .....trillions of applications and only TWO got me to interview stage. :banghead:

The only good thing in my life at the mo is being consistent with diet/exercise for a month now, which is pretty good considering my stop/start and on/off efforts recently. So yeah. Hurray for that, at least :) :)

I'm going to do my workout in a sec ...... that will clear away the cobwebs. It's my ultra best DVD and it really kicks my butt in a good healthy cathartic way.

Food so far:
1 slice brown bread 1 slice half fat cheddar.
bit of milk in two coffees, sweetener.
Haven't had time to eat anything else, which is pretty convenient sometimes for the ol weight loss.

I'm going to measure myself later too, so that in a couple of weeks I can check for improvement - inch loss just as important as weight loss, after all.

Not looking forward to that, but gotta be done. Will be scary to know exactly what my monstruous stats are. Haha. Dread to think.
Anyway.. off I go....
 
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