Work Christmas Party 26 Nov 11

I just got home and Im in bed blogging this on my pretty white iPhone. It's 2.48am - yes I blog at odd times! But I REALLY want to share this while it's fresh in my head.

I wore my "12wbt Round 2 finale dress" to my work Christmas party tonight.  Mum took it in for me as I'm 11kg lighter now. It's a really special dress to me. It reminds me of the wonderful and overwhelming night I had in Brisbane 3 months ago. The Hilton Ballroom jam packed with fellow 12WBTers was oozing passion, excitement, achievement and emotion. I can't wait to experience that again in Sydney next month on an ever bigger scale.

When I was getting dressed tonight I accidentally caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and started to cry. It was the FIRST TIME (yes FIRST TIME) that the person looking back at me looked "little". Everyone (yes everyone) tells me I'm little now but I just didn't see it. Even when I wear my size 10 dresses to work I don't feel like a size 10. Anyway, I called my sister as I stood there staring at this "little" person in the mirror and told her of my lightbulb moment that was a breakthrough for me. I hope to see that same person everyday now, I really do. Oops tears flowing again, can't see screen properly, back in a sec...

OK, im all good now so back to tonight. The party was a blast, the dress was a hit & the compliments rolled in.  It was lovely having people that I respect and dont see often congratulate me on my  "new body" (I work for a large organization based on 4 different sites so I don't see other departments that often). I STILL get emotional hearing compliments - can you believe it????  I'm such a cry baby lol!!!

I wonder when me not being obese/overweight anymore will be normal to others? I never thought of that until tonight.  Time will tell I guess. Having written that, it's not even normal to ME yet lol.  Maybe my New Years Resolution is to accept myself as being normal :) I like that. It is a hell of a lot better than promising I will lose weight then not doing it.
I'll post a pic in the morning.
Good night for now :)

Round 3 Week 11 Weigh In

Stats
Heaviest weight 109.6kg
Today's weight 63kg
BMI 26.2
This week lost 0.9kg (1.41%)
Round 3 weight loss 8.1kg (11.39%)
41 week weight loss 46.6kg (42.52%)

Mini Comp Team Video Message from Splash Weeks 8, 9 & 10

Week 8 Mini Comp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnlLNOwdSd8
http://www.12wbt.com/round-3-2011/forums/goals-the-last-5-kilos-or-non-weight-loss-goals/topics/splashs-mini-comp-transformation-board-week-8


Week 9 Mini Comp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfW_fM-4Tvo Special Guest Tonight!
http://www.12wbt.com/round-3-2011/forums/goals-the-last-5-kilos-or-non-weight-loss-goals/topics/splashs-mini-comp-transformation-board-week-9

Week 10 Mini Comp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-Wkz_MuIw
http://www.12wbt.com/round-3-2011/forums/goals-the-last-5-kilos-or-non-weight-loss-goals/topics/splashs-mini-comp-transformation-board-week-10?page=1#post_145959-row

Round 3 Week 10 Weigh In

Stats
Heaviest weight 109.6kg
Today's weight 63.9kg
BMI 26.6
This week lost 0.4kg (0.62%)
Round 3 weight loss 7.2kg (10.1%)
40 week weight loss 45.7kg (41.7%)

Summary
- After 3 weeks of No Training At All, I have completed 3 x 30 min light cardio session in the last week.  Burnt 200-277 cals per session.  I know it sounds pathetic! But for me at the moment, it is better than sitting on the couch.  Hope I can manage another 3 similar sessions in the week ahead as it helps to keep my mind strong.
- I don't want to drop below 64kilos so this week I will eat a bit more food on the weekend to make sure of that.
- I'm sticking to counting 1200cals per day during the week and then not counting calories on the weekend but using portion size as my guide.  I want this lifestyle to be normal and I'm getting good at staying the same weight over the weekend without counting calories.
- I now weigh myself Wed and Sat to gauge how much I can eat on the weekends in order to stay the same weight.
- this lifestyle is forever but DAMN I am going to miss Round 3.  It's been the best Round for me by far as I have been exposed to SO MANY amazing people that have welcomed me into their support crew. 
- And my Mini Comp Round 3 Team has been fantastic to be a part of.  Not only has it kept me on track but, once again, the team has let me into their support crew and reading their emails of achievements and tough times on Wednesday is THE HIGHLIGHT of my week.  I will really miss that.

Round 3 2011 Week 10 Weekly Surprise Entry

Hi everyone!

My Impossible that was made Possible in Round 3 2011 is not just about me, it's about you.

.

3min Video Blog Entry

Many of you have seen my "How I lost 43 kilos - slideshow style" video. This is a version of that but it focuses on Round 3. And it's to the soundtrack is Gaga... of course!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy_8DX3m2BQ&feature=youtube_gdata

300 word Written Blog Entry

Paying It Forward is the Impossible that was made Possible in Round 3.

Mish put my journey on the map in Round 2. Thanks to her I am now in the support crew of many that we're once strangers.

"a quick message just to let you no that you are a huge inspiration to me.. I no I’m a complete stranger but this is my first round and i have seen your progress and it honestly blows me away so thankyou for your motivation"

"I've just been reading some of your blog, you are truly inspiring. Love your planning, I agree organisation is the key to achieving."

"you are inspiring lots of people here to achieve big things so thanks."

"Its great to see a "normal person" achieve what I want to achieve. "

"Thank you in advance for any help or advice. I'm most appreciative and grateful. You have both been such an inspiration to me."

"after reading your post and looking at your journey in pictures I was inspired.
I have tried harder to just get moving. Thank you for taking the time to write, you have encouraged me to keep following the right path."

"omg 109 kg that was meeeee, down to 66kg and still got boobs, 43kg in a year, omg omg omg, i want to BE that girl!"

"Thanks for sharing your Video tonight. It is brilliant. I loved the and I quote" It is not bragging if you have done it " It really hit home with me."

My Mini Comp Round 3 is supporting the journeys of 35 gorgeous ladies.
I run fortnightly lunch time support meetings with the 12WBTers at work.

Thanks Ski Chic for leading me to 12WBT.
Thank you Mish for giving me the amazing opportunity to make a difference.

Treat Meal on Maintenance

I have been hovering at and below my goal weight for about a month.  I have been eating clean since February and have had dessert about 4 times this year.

So, it was Saturday night and I had been invited to have Pita Bread Pizzas at my sister's place.

First I asked for a souvlaki base with mushrooms, grated carrot, olives and a little lite cheese.  Then I realized I had only eaten 500 calories on Saturday so I changed my order.  "I'll have one nutella, banana and marshmallow pizza on a souvlaki base please".  I cracked up laughing as i have not eaten something with such a poor nutritional value all year!  But hey, its in my calories and its now on my dinner menu.   

Here's my recipe:

1 Souvlaki base 200cal

2 tablespoons Nutella 200cal - spread all over pizza base

1 Banana 100cal - sliced thin and evenly placed on pizza 

25g Mini Marshmellows 90cal - sprinkled all over pizza 

Cook in oven for 5 mins until marshmallows starts to brown.

Half a glass of skinny milk accompanied the pizza 50cal 

Total 540cal

The verdict... My taste buds loved it! So much sweetness flying around my mouth!! My stomach would have felt better without it.  But hey, it was one of those crazy moments where "it seemed like a good idea at the time".  No regrets and I won't eat the whole pizza if i make it again.  Next time I will have a healthy vegetarian pita pizza for dinner and a small slice of nutella/banana/marshmallow pizza as a treat :). That way I can share it with my family and friends as dessert.

A Month of Articles

It's been a really overwhelming but exciting week.  Here's why.

Technogym Article 11-11-11

I have been training on Technogym gym equipment all year.  Technogym is a sponsor of the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation.  I was contacted by Technogym Australia's Managing Director after I won Round 2 in August and he congratulated me.  He also mentioned an article about Technogym and the win.  So I worked with their fabulous Marketing coordinator, Melissa Blades, and she came up with this.  It is published on their Wellness Blog and Facebook page.  This is my favourite article as it captures the summary of my year so well.
http://www.technogym.com/blog/en/2011/11/la-storia-di-mary-che-ha-modificato-la-vita-sua-allenandosi/

Australian Leisure Facilities Association E-news November 15-11-11
There is a link tot hte Technogym article in this publication under "Members Blogs" half way down
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=f8faacb2e55fc8cd9de748f7f&id=8dce651985&e=f44df60081

Whittlesea Review article 8-11-11

A work colleague told me that she recognised me in the local paper.  I nearly fell over!  I had no idea I was in the paper!

Staff Matters Article 9-11-11

My work's Marketing Department wrote a feature article about me in our quarterly staff newsletter.  My Mongolian Lamb recipe was also published in this edition.

 

You probably can't read the article so here is the text...

Mary Crea transforms to become a weight loss winner!

If you have seen Mary Crea from Leisure &
Community Inclusion out and about recently
and needed to do a double take, don't worry
it's really her!

Mary was recently announced as the winner
of Round Two of the Michelle Bridges 12
Week Body Transformation Program, after
losing an amazing 18kg (she has lost 43kg
over 33 weeks).

On a family holiday to the Gold Coast in
late 2010, Mary was feeling exhausted and
struggled to keep up with everyone as they
jumped between theme-parks.

As soon as she was back home in Melbourne
Mary signed up for the Weight Watchers
at Work program to get her started, and it
wasn't long before she started to see results.
Others also noticed Mary's weight loss, and
earlier this year she was awarded a Wellbeing
at Whittlesea Award.

With her weight loss journey so far going
well, Mary decided to sign up for the Michelle
Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation
Program. If you're familiar with The Biggest
Loser, Michelle is one of the tough trainers
who whips the contestants into shape. Her
Transformation Program provides online meal
and workout plans and support. Three rounds
are held each year, and all participants start
and finish the program together.

Mary started following Michelle's 1200 calorie
food plan and training 60-90 minutes, six
days a week. She decided she was finished
with making excuses and started living each
day by the motto 'Just Fricken Do It'. Before
she knew it, she was running 7km non-stop,
something she had never been able to do
before.

Mary found her consistent results to be
her main source of motivation and drive to
keep going. She started up her own blog,
splasharama.blogspot.com, where she was
able to share all the ups and downs of her
journey with others.

It wasn't just her legions of fans that
appreciated Mary's new outlook on life,
her colleagues have also embraced her
achievement. Team Leader of Leisure
Facilities, Kerry McDonald, wrote to Michelle
Bridges to let her know how much the
program had helped Mary blossom into such
a happy and energetic woman. Michelle
posted this message onto her Official
Facebook Page, which led to a huge number
of people visiting Mary's blog.

All this hard work paid off when Mary was
announced as Round Two winner of the
Program in August. Today Mary is 43kg
lighter and feeling on top of the world. Mary
says that the program not only transformed
her physically, but has changed the way she
approaches life. Making healthy and active
choices is now her number one priority.

Remember to visit Mary's blog splasharama.
blogspot.com or visit her Facebook page for
more photos and details on her inspirational
achievement!

What is a Workout?

‘A workout is 25 percent perspiration and 75 percent determination. Stated another way it is one part physical exertion and three parts self-discipline. A workout makes you better today than you were yesterday. It strengthens the body, relaxes the mind and toughens the spirit. When you work out regularly, your problems diminish and your confidence grows. A workout is a personal triumph over laziness and procrastination. It’s the badge of a winner- the mark of an organized, goal-oriented person who has taken charge of his or her destiny. A workout is a wise use of time and an investment in excellence. It is a way of preparing for life’s challenges and proving to yourself that you have what it takes to do what is necessary. A workout is a key that helps unlock the door to opportunity and success. Hidden within each of us is an extraordinary force. Physical and mental fitness are the triggers that can release it. A workout is a form of rebirth. When you finish a good workout, you don’t simply feel better. You feel better about yourself.’ – George Allen, Former NFL football coach.

Round 3 Week 9 weigh In

Stats
Heaviest weight 109.6kg
Today's weight 64.3kg
BMI 26.8
This week lost 1.0kg (1.53%)
Round 3 weight loss 6.8kg (9.60%)
39 week weight loss 45.3kg (41.33%)

Summary
- I drew up a table of my weekly weight loss this year and realised I am up to week 39 (not 37 as i thought) so I corrected it in the stats above.
- Stuck to the 1200 cals of good food this week and did accelerator day yesterday
- Hadn't trained for 3 weeks due to injury and returned to the gym this morning for 25 mins of light cardio on a bike.  I felt like I was back at Day 1 but I also felt great to be in my workout gear doing SOMETHING!
  I hope to be able to keep up the light cardio at least.
- My aim is to hover between 64kg and 66kg for life, so hopefully I can get back to 65kg and stay there as that is where my body is happiest


Mini Comp Team
- So glad with my mini comp team this week.  We had some awesome weightloss and great "squees".  well done everyone.  I'm so glad to be doing this round with you all and seeing all your achievements
- Here the link if you are a 12WBT member   http://www.12wbt.com/round-3-2011/forums/goals-the-last-5-kilos-or-non-weight-loss-goals/topics/splashs-mini-comp-transformation-board-week-9
- Here the link to my video message if you are not a member  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfW_fM-4Tvo

Snack Splash Style

I often get asked what I snack on.  Here is my current list.  It's not all as clean as Mish would like.  But it's better than having my sweet tooth deciding to eat a whole baked cheese cake :)

I plan my snacks for every day.  If they are not on the plan then i don't eat them.

I pretty much have a small range of snacks I keep in the pantry.  Sometimes I find something new and add it as a treat snack (once per week).  I have the snacks on their own, with a glass of water or with a cup of tea.

Yoplait ForMe Yoghurt - 70 cals for 1 tub

Coles Thin Corn Cakes (like rice cakes) - 22 cals each

Sunrice Apple Cinnemon Rice Cakes - 38 cals each  http://www.sunrice.com.au/our-products/sweet-cakes/apple-cinnamon

Sunrice Apple cinnemon rice cake with 1 tablespoon lite cottage cheese on top - 70 cals approx

One Punnet of Strawberries - 60 cals

Instant porridge sachet made with water - 135 cals (i like honey flavour)  http://www.nestleprofessional.com/australia/en/BrandsAndProducts/Brands/UNCLE_TOBYS/Pages/Quick_Oats_Sachets_-_Creamy_Honey_35g.aspx

1/2 big can of sliced champignons mixed with 70g tin of tuna (less than 150cal depending on the tuna you use)

Uncle Tobys Crunchy Muesli Bars - 85 cal (any flavour)  http://www.uncletobys.com.au/product_detail/muesli-bar-crunchy-2/

Special K Bars - 90 cals (any flavour)  http://www.kellogg.com.au/Home/Products/Snacks/SpecialKBars/tabid/462/Default.aspx

Slice of bread wrapped around half a banana - under 150 cal

One toast with 1/2 grated small apple on top - 110 cal

Piece of fruit (apple - 70 cals, banana - 100 cal)

1 tablespoon Hommus lite or Tzaziki Lite with 4 water crackers (cals vary depending on brands)

1 tablespoon Hommus lite or Tzaziki Lite with carrot sticks

2 cups of air-popped Popcorn (i use my pop corn maker) - 60 cal

One carrot medium - 20 cals

Fruit Muesli Cookie - 52 cals http://lowcalorierecipebook.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/fruit-museli-cookies-52-calories-each.html

Injured, No Training & Maintaining

I am at my goal weight of 65 kilos now.  My goal is to keep my weight between 64kg and 66kg from now on.  In terms of clothes, I am a size 10 to 12.

I have a few injuries at the moment.  I injured my hip sitting on the floor at home (silly silly).  I then injured my shoulder from over training when i couldn't do any lower body training.  Medical specialists had advised that I should not train at all for a fortnight, then I can do some light cardio.  I have been training HARD CORE for 8 months and was at my peak the week before I injured my hip at home.  Going from training to fatigue, to no training at all is a big shock to my mind and body.  But, there is no use fighting it, I am leaving it to the professionals and following there advice.  I need to be strong enough to participate in Michelle's 12WBT finale workout on 10 December 2011 and get the most out of it!  I don't want to have to say "I'm not allowed to do that due to my injuries".

So it is Day 15 of no training.  I have been eating 1200 to 1400 calories per day and have managed to stay the same weight.  I'm happy with this but I know my fitness has decreased a lot.  One month ago I was a fitness machine.  Nothing could stop me.  I stopped training when I was done, not when I was "pretend tired".  Now, it's a struggle to get through the day without my hip or shoulder hurting me.  Wow what a difference!

So today I thought to myself "put your workout gear on and just try to go for a walk".  So I did.  Just putting my gear on lifted my spirits immensely.  I only managed a 15 min walk at a  low intensity as the hills hurt my hip.  I got home and did 200 various ab crunches.  98 calories later (I know that isn't much) and I feel better than if I had sat on the couch for 15 mins.

So tomorrow I will drive to an oval so I can walk on the flat grass and hopefully that won't hurt my hip.  Hope to last longer than 15 minutes and I know I will feel better than if I don’t go for a walk.  This "light cardio training" is a lot different to what I was doing a month ago but it's all I can manage for now.  I'll let my body heal then work my way back to the fitness I had a month ago.

I leave you with this during times of injuries.  Don't Give Up.  Keep a Positive Attitude.  Sulking and feeling sorry for yourself will get you nowhere.  Do what you can manage until your body heels.  Stick to eating 1200 calories and avoid eating more than that.  1200 calories of healthy nutritious food each day is great for your body, will keep you living a great lifestyle, and get you to your goals.

Round 3 Week 8 Weigh In

My Stats
Heaviest weight 109.6kg
Today's weight 65.3kg
BMI 27.18
This week lost 0.0kg (0.00%)
Round 3 weight loss 5.8kg (8.16%)
36 week weight loss 44.3kg (40.41%)

My Summary
- I'm very pleased to have stayed the same weight!
- Still no training at all due to injuries. This is frustrating as I do not want to lose fitness. Apparently I can do some light cardio in the coming weeks. I don't even know what "light cardio" means anymore! Lol
- Shopping sprees are a great booster when you are feeling a bit down.