Weight loss update, i lost 3.5lb this week which takes my total to 14st 6lb lost . It also means i hit my double century by losing 202 pounds, i was also crowned my groups great loser 2013.

This week i wanted to talk briefly about some of the effects of weight loss both positive and negative

Starting a healthy eating program can put you on an initial emotional high. It's exciting to make a fresh start. But as time goes on it's normal to start missing your 'former food life,' comfortable rituals, like curling up on the couch with chocolates while watching TV. It's also tough to let go of the freedom that comes with just eating whatever you want, whenever you want, as much as you want. Honestly, it really is a mourning period as you come to terms with letting go of the former relationship you had with food. Sometimes no matter how motivated you are to adopt healthier habits, these feelings can make you want to throw in the towel. Just remember, it's not that you don't have enough willpower – you're just human.

Change is always difficult, even when it's a healthy change. If you feel like giving up, think about all of the reasons why you're doing this that really matter to you. It may sound cheesy but making a list can really help. Write down of all the 'pros' of staying on track. For example, maybe you're looking for more energy or confidence, or you want to be a healthy role model for your kids or family. When you feel like falling back into your old routines, remind yourself how important the things on that list are to you. And if your old habits were to meet emotional needs, experiment with alternatives to fill the void. For example, if you used to turn to food for comfort or to celebrate, try out other ways to meet those needs that don't involve eating.

One of the biggest effects i have experienced is the further along my weigh loss journey i have come the colder i have been feeling, honestly before i joined slimming world i lived in shorts and t-shirts all year round but now i have had to buy jumpers, hats and scarves and really feel it in my extremities. It is not a massive negative but it is certainly an effect of my weight loss.

A couple of other weird effects i have found is that is firstly my balance suffered for a while which i suppose as i lost weight my center of gravity must have changed, i would be playing squash and reach for the ball and then fall over, it is fine now but was a strange feeling at the time. the other effect is my buoyancy has changed quite dramatically, i no longer float like i used to but now just sink to the bottom.

Another effect i have felt is more of a mental issue, in my own head i still feel like a large person, i still have habits like crossing my arms over my stomach to hide my belly because of feeling self conscious, even though that belly is not there any more. When i buy new clothes i automatically pick up the biggest sizes, and even when i hold the right size in my hands i look at it and think 'that's not going to fit'. I think this comes from years of being a large person and things like that just become second nature so i think it will probably take some time to overcome those habits.

On a more positive note i have found that it is the little things i encounter on a day to day basis have the most profound effect on me. Recently had a check up with my GP and in the waiting room i never used to fit in the chairs with the arms so always had to find one without, but last time i fitted comfortably in the ones with arms. It was a very simple thing but it certainly put a smile on my face.

Just being able to go go into a normal shop to buy clothes is an amazing feeling, i spent years buying my clothes online from websites like 'sizedwell' and 'fatmanclothing.com'. Its not just an emotional thing but also a financial one to, the differences i have found are huge, i can now pick up a t shirt for a couple of quid whereas before i could easily pay £30 for one. 

Without a doubt the positives outweigh the negatives so what i have learnt is to not dwell on any negative things but to remember all the positive things and look forward to a much fit and healthier life.

TIP OF THE WEEK 

Don't bottle things up, if any negative thoughts enter you mind share them with a loved one or a friend and talk them through. If you let them build up you will find yourself tempted by all the wrong things and will end up sabotaging your plan.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

4 egg whites

198g castet sugar

71g coconut

  

1. Beat the egg whites until frothy (Make sure no yolk whatsoever has contaminated the egg whites, otherwise you could be whisking for ever!)

2. Add the sugar and beat until stiff. 

3. Fold in the coconut and using a metal teaspoon, drop small amounts of the mixture onto a parchment covered baking sheet, creating 30 macaroons.

4. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven (170ºC/325ºF/Gas Mark 3).

5. Remove from oven, and allow to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the baking sheet.

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