About 18 months ago, I wrote a blog raving about a calorie counting app that I swore by.
This blog is actually going to contradict that a little bit as I am going to talk about why I will not use it, or any other cal counting app, anymore.
I absolutely agree with counting calories when you need to lose a significant amount of weight, I mean at least more than half a stone - which at one point, I did and the app helped. But once you're at a healthy weight I believe Kcal counting may be a little unhealthy, and I am talking from first hand experience here.
I inputted my food and drink intake as well as my exercise routine religiously every single day. This worked for me at first as this app in particular (I can't speak about any others) was great at showing me how many calories I was consuming. Not only that but it showed me my macro intake. With this app I could see the balance between carbohydrate intake, fat intake and protein intake and it helped me find a balance.
But, after a year or so, maybe even less, I had taught myself the basics to good nutrition and I had a rough idea of what foods were high in calories, as well as carbs, fat and protein, so I had a good idea of what I was eating and putting into my body.
I firmly believe that once you are at this point you have already achieved success, whether you are looking to lose weight or gain more energy. By then you should be in a habit that will keep fueling you with the right type and amount of food you need without having numbers staring you in the face.
There may come a point when your body needs more than 1,200 calories (based on my needs not everyone else's) because you have more lean mass, and you can up your intake using the right foods without gaining weight.
However, if at this stage you are still calorie counting, chances are you haven't revisited your ideal calorie and macro nutrient intake. This is where the problem lies.
I was feeling hungry a lot, so when I was updating my daily diary I was beginning to see I had gone over my "requirement" according to the app.
This led to a vicious circle of self loathing, punishment through starvation and then binging due to stress and angry feelings.
I was beginning to feel very negative about myself, believing I was greedy and out of control.
In the end I told myself to stop counting the calories because I didn't need to see those numbers every day they just made me feel bad. I knew roughly when to eat and how much to eat. I knew which foods worked for my body, would give me more energy and wouldn't make me pile on the pounds. So I just stuck with that.
More than six months down the line I feel better than ever (and that is including eating over the Christmas period). I eat well, and I eat when I am hungry. I occasionally eat bad food and binge but that is okay, because generally I eat good food and don't feel like i'm starving all the time. I enjoy my food now as I don't have any numbers staring at me and making me feel guilty.
I also believe that the more you think about the food, which you do a lot if you have to constantly update a diary, the more you want food. And often, you want to rebel against the numbers or get an attitude which says I don't care anymore, before reverting back to guilt.
I enjoy what I want when I want. The proof is in the pudding, I do not feel as low in myself anymore, I can look in a mirror and compliment myself, rather than grab a fat roll and tell myself it's because I had 150 calories more than my limit yesterday.
Like I said, calorie counting has its pros and cons. For me the pros were in the beginning and once I hit my healthy weight the cons came into play. If you are at a healthy body weight, then start taking care of your brain's health too. It will all fall into place then.
Showing posts with label positive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label positive. Show all posts
Tuesday, 16 February 2016
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
The running bug is back
Just over a year ago I wrote a post proudly telling you all how pleased I was to have finally run five miles.
I will never forget the sense of achievement I felt as a relatively new runner to have reached that milestone. And that feeling continued for the next few five milers until it just became the norm.
Suddenly I was easily running 10k three times per week. Running makes me so happy, it gives me a sense of freedom and accomplishment.
So you can imagine how miserable and disappointed I have felt with myself these past few months when I let my cardio fall by the wayside.
My strength is at an all time high and I got carried away weight training. I barely looked at any cardio machines in the gym let alone the treadmill. And when I did think "I should go for a run" I was easily swayed against it when I looked out the window and it was dreary and dark. A poor excuse I know - and not the Kirsty I know.
A lot has changed in my life recently though, so I had to do a lot of adapting to do.
I have attempted to go on a few runs recently and not found it too pleasant. To be fair the last four miles I did, I did on a very full stomach after eating out so the stitch which plagued me was nothing but my own greedy fault.
And then a friend of mine who is a gym instructor, asked me to go for a run, and being with her really kept me moving forward. We did 4.5 miles and I felt great. I know I can do more I just let myself believe I couldn't and I got a bit lazy if i'm honest. The warm and comfort of the gym and the free weights had a stronger pull than I realised.
However, it was after this run that I realised, I am still capable of my five and six miles I just have to push myself.
So today, my gym plans were delayed so I didn't think about it I just went. And got to my five miles again. Yes I struggled and there were times I wanted to stop which is the case during most runs but I didn't and I survived.
Yes, I know to a lot of people five and six miles is not a long run but to me it is and I am happy to keep it at that. Extra long runs are saved for special occasions.
So, I learned something from this. It is all about confidence and belief in yourself. I had let myself think I couldn't do it anymore, so I didn't. But as soon as I strapped on my stubborn head (which I am renowned for) I proved to myself I can still do it. And now I have the running bug back I want to keep doing it.
And so I will...
I will never forget the sense of achievement I felt as a relatively new runner to have reached that milestone. And that feeling continued for the next few five milers until it just became the norm.
Suddenly I was easily running 10k three times per week. Running makes me so happy, it gives me a sense of freedom and accomplishment.
So you can imagine how miserable and disappointed I have felt with myself these past few months when I let my cardio fall by the wayside.
My strength is at an all time high and I got carried away weight training. I barely looked at any cardio machines in the gym let alone the treadmill. And when I did think "I should go for a run" I was easily swayed against it when I looked out the window and it was dreary and dark. A poor excuse I know - and not the Kirsty I know.
A lot has changed in my life recently though, so I had to do a lot of adapting to do.
I have attempted to go on a few runs recently and not found it too pleasant. To be fair the last four miles I did, I did on a very full stomach after eating out so the stitch which plagued me was nothing but my own greedy fault.
And then a friend of mine who is a gym instructor, asked me to go for a run, and being with her really kept me moving forward. We did 4.5 miles and I felt great. I know I can do more I just let myself believe I couldn't and I got a bit lazy if i'm honest. The warm and comfort of the gym and the free weights had a stronger pull than I realised.
However, it was after this run that I realised, I am still capable of my five and six miles I just have to push myself.
So today, my gym plans were delayed so I didn't think about it I just went. And got to my five miles again. Yes I struggled and there were times I wanted to stop which is the case during most runs but I didn't and I survived.
Yes, I know to a lot of people five and six miles is not a long run but to me it is and I am happy to keep it at that. Extra long runs are saved for special occasions.
So, I learned something from this. It is all about confidence and belief in yourself. I had let myself think I couldn't do it anymore, so I didn't. But as soon as I strapped on my stubborn head (which I am renowned for) I proved to myself I can still do it. And now I have the running bug back I want to keep doing it.
And so I will...
Wednesday, 13 May 2015
Getting back into the swim of it
I love swimming - I really get into the zone and immerse into a world of my own.
Over winter I did a lot of swimming and took part in the Aspire Swim Challenge just to encourage me to do more and raise a bit of cash whilst I was at it. But life has overtaken my need to swim lately.
So on Tuesday morning I got myself out of bed early and went for a dip in the pool. It was so refreshing and set me up for the day.
It felt incredible to glide through the water and it was satisfying to know that my swim stamina had not faltered. I did my usual mile in 35 minutes - which is the average time it usually takes me, so I was definitely pleased.
It has inspired me to get my act together and get back in the pool more often. Swimming is one of the best exercises for your body (particularly mine which likes to break a lot).
It tones and works your entire body and it is low impact but high cardiovascular. Plus the front crawl, which is my chosen stroke, works 48 muscles and burns around 400 calories per hour for someone of my size - depending how slow I go. I tend to do a fast 35 minutes so it is likely it equates to the same amount.
You can't ask for much more! I encourage you all to get out and swim!
Over winter I did a lot of swimming and took part in the Aspire Swim Challenge just to encourage me to do more and raise a bit of cash whilst I was at it. But life has overtaken my need to swim lately.
So on Tuesday morning I got myself out of bed early and went for a dip in the pool. It was so refreshing and set me up for the day.
It felt incredible to glide through the water and it was satisfying to know that my swim stamina had not faltered. I did my usual mile in 35 minutes - which is the average time it usually takes me, so I was definitely pleased.
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| This is not me haha! Photo taken from @PolaroidGal on Flickr |
It has inspired me to get my act together and get back in the pool more often. Swimming is one of the best exercises for your body (particularly mine which likes to break a lot).
It tones and works your entire body and it is low impact but high cardiovascular. Plus the front crawl, which is my chosen stroke, works 48 muscles and burns around 400 calories per hour for someone of my size - depending how slow I go. I tend to do a fast 35 minutes so it is likely it equates to the same amount.
You can't ask for much more! I encourage you all to get out and swim!
Tuesday, 20 May 2014
Slave to snacking
I love a good snack, whether it be sweet, salty or savory.
So this week I am setting myself the challenge of stopping the snacks. If I can do this week without snacking on the naughty stuff even just one or two bits here and there I will feel such a sense of achievement.
I am so weak when the good stuff is put in front of me but one thing I have learnt about myself is I am stubborn and competitive. Give me a challenge and I will do it. Therefore I challenged myself to this.
I need to prove to my brain that I don't need bad snacks, they are not a treat and I don't really enjoy them while I eat them. It is all in my head, I know that but sometimes my head is very strong willed.
(There maybe a left over Easter egg in it for me if I can do the seven days). I have done two days so far no problem. And temptation has been put in my way so there is a positive I can thrive off. I have shown some strength.
Fruit salad is one of my favourite things to eat so I have made a huge one to put in the fridge for snacking on.
I have banned everything naughty from my flat and have a healthy eating plan in place.
This can be done!
Saturday, 17 May 2014
Back on the track
Wow did I pound the pavements today.
Anyone who loves to run will appreciate where I am coming from. I hurt my ankle running one month ago and made the stupid mistake of pushing through it. It meant I spent the rest of my week off limping around. But after 10 days taking it easy, the weekend came and my ankle was feeling better. After one too many vodkas I decided to sprint home from town.
What a huge error on my part. I further hurt my ankle. Terrified of doing more damage and having to "rest" my ankle for longer I vowed to take three weeks off from running and stick to low impact exercises like swimming, bikes and cross trainers.
Running for me is a form of stress relief and body wise, I react to that cardio and stay leaner when I jog then any other exercise.
So these other exercises have not been cutting it. But today my three weeks were up! I rolled out of bed first thing, strapped on an ankle support and off I went. I iced it last night pre-run because, well, what would it hurt, and iced it after the run. Low and behold, the day is over, I have spent it all on my feet and my ankle feels fine. Hallelujah!
Words cannot describe how much I needed to run. I only did three miles. Initially I only intended on doing two miles to ease the ankle back into it, but I just can't help myself. I will stick to three miles this week, up it to four the week after and then hopefully I can get back on with my five mile runs.
Anyone who loves to run will appreciate where I am coming from. I hurt my ankle running one month ago and made the stupid mistake of pushing through it. It meant I spent the rest of my week off limping around. But after 10 days taking it easy, the weekend came and my ankle was feeling better. After one too many vodkas I decided to sprint home from town.
What a huge error on my part. I further hurt my ankle. Terrified of doing more damage and having to "rest" my ankle for longer I vowed to take three weeks off from running and stick to low impact exercises like swimming, bikes and cross trainers.
Running for me is a form of stress relief and body wise, I react to that cardio and stay leaner when I jog then any other exercise.
So these other exercises have not been cutting it. But today my three weeks were up! I rolled out of bed first thing, strapped on an ankle support and off I went. I iced it last night pre-run because, well, what would it hurt, and iced it after the run. Low and behold, the day is over, I have spent it all on my feet and my ankle feels fine. Hallelujah!
Words cannot describe how much I needed to run. I only did three miles. Initially I only intended on doing two miles to ease the ankle back into it, but I just can't help myself. I will stick to three miles this week, up it to four the week after and then hopefully I can get back on with my five mile runs.
Monday, 12 May 2014
Beating the buldge
I have seriously got my skinny head on right now. To kick start my motivation again after a couple of months of it seriously lacking I am going with two tried and tested tricks.
First of all I am back on the Bootea. As I have written about in previous weeks I did the two week detox and noticed great results.
I had a flatter belly, better skin and felt lighter and fresher. Knowing that I have spent £20 on a product that has to be used daily really helps keep me on track too. I would not want to have wasted my money for the sake of a steak or chocolate bar.
I am also doing the 30-day-squat challenge.
I have done this once before. I went from having a pretty flat, flabby bottom to having a booty! Something that I have maintained to a degree. The first week is killer, after that it stops hurting as much but it can get pretty boring so I tend to squat while watching the tv. It really helps!
Squatting is a great overall work out and it really targets your glutes and upper thighs (inside and out) which is just what I need right now.
Once I start seeing results I will feel loads better about myself and hopefully it will really help me get back on track. So far so good. I am on day four of both and I am feeling great.
First of all I am back on the Bootea. As I have written about in previous weeks I did the two week detox and noticed great results.
I had a flatter belly, better skin and felt lighter and fresher. Knowing that I have spent £20 on a product that has to be used daily really helps keep me on track too. I would not want to have wasted my money for the sake of a steak or chocolate bar.
I am also doing the 30-day-squat challenge.
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| Currently I am on my first rest day |
Squatting is a great overall work out and it really targets your glutes and upper thighs (inside and out) which is just what I need right now.
Once I start seeing results I will feel loads better about myself and hopefully it will really help me get back on track. So far so good. I am on day four of both and I am feeling great.
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
Protein and fat meal plans
After a week of feasting and not thinking about the food I ate, (including take-aways and chocolate bars) I felt it was time to seriously get back on track.
My healthy life style has taken a back seat and I twisted my ankle so I could not even run to rectify the bad behavior in the kitchen.
I have blogged before about having a high fat/protein and low carb diet. I am going to use the next two weeks to take this more seriously.
Here is an example eating plan.
Monday:
Breakfast - Yogurt, berries and nuts.
Lunch - Grilled chicken salad.
Dinner - Salmon and a variety of vegetables.
Tuesday:
Breakfast - Almonds and protein shake made with milk.
Lunch - Homemade soup.
Tea - Tomato coated chicken with variety of vegetables and sweet potato wedges.
Wednesday:
Breakfast - Poached egg on flat mushroom.
Lunch - Soup.
Dinner - Chicken salad.
Thursday:
Breakfast - Yogurt, berries and nuts.
Lunch - Chicken salad.
Dinner - Omelette with tinned mackerel.
Friday:
Breakfast - Scrambled egg and tinned mackerel.
Lunch - Soup
Dinner - Fish or chicken with a variety of green vegetables.
Snacks - Seeds, nuts, protein shake and small amounts of fruit.
This is the plan I followed the first week I changed my diet to be more protein and fat based. That week I instantly felt better in myself and like my body was tightening up. I have some left over Thai curry that will be a dinner in place of Wednesday's chicken salad but this is an example of a focused week.
The main foods that I eat for a protein and healthy fat enriched diet are there, including a lot of eggs, vegetables and fish. Fresh food is the way forward and this diet is the best way to incorporate it in my opinion.
My healthy life style has taken a back seat and I twisted my ankle so I could not even run to rectify the bad behavior in the kitchen.
I have blogged before about having a high fat/protein and low carb diet. I am going to use the next two weeks to take this more seriously.
Here is an example eating plan.
Monday:
Breakfast - Yogurt, berries and nuts.
Lunch - Grilled chicken salad.
Dinner - Salmon and a variety of vegetables.
Tuesday:
Breakfast - Almonds and protein shake made with milk.
Lunch - Homemade soup.
Tea - Tomato coated chicken with variety of vegetables and sweet potato wedges.
Wednesday:
Breakfast - Poached egg on flat mushroom.
Lunch - Soup.
Dinner - Chicken salad.
Thursday:
Breakfast - Yogurt, berries and nuts.
Lunch - Chicken salad.
Dinner - Omelette with tinned mackerel.
Friday:
Breakfast - Scrambled egg and tinned mackerel.
Lunch - Soup
Dinner - Fish or chicken with a variety of green vegetables.
Snacks - Seeds, nuts, protein shake and small amounts of fruit.
This is the plan I followed the first week I changed my diet to be more protein and fat based. That week I instantly felt better in myself and like my body was tightening up. I have some left over Thai curry that will be a dinner in place of Wednesday's chicken salad but this is an example of a focused week.
The main foods that I eat for a protein and healthy fat enriched diet are there, including a lot of eggs, vegetables and fish. Fresh food is the way forward and this diet is the best way to incorporate it in my opinion.
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
The running bug
Today I can proudly say I ran five miles.
I know to you running pro's out there five miles is nothing but to me it was a landmark moment.
You see I have arthritis and was always under the impression I would not be able to run. But since taking up a more active lifestyle last year I decided a little bit of running couldn't hurt anyone.
And I tell you what, I caught the running bug good and proper.
I probably did my first real run about eight months ago and only managed about a mile but it was a mile non the less. It took me a few months to start taking it seriously but as my fitness was increasing so was my desire to keep up with it.
So when I went back to Yorkshire for the weekend and didn't have my gym to hide in I would slip on my Nikes and go for a run.
Back home there is an old, paved rail track that goes for miles surrounded by countryside and woodlands. I love running there, it is stunning and so therapeutic. So that is how I kept my fitness up when visiting my home county.
Now when I run that track I feel so accomplished thinking about how much further I can go in comparison to when I first started.
Six months ago if you told me I could run five miles I probably would have laughed. It was never my aim to run a certain number of miles, just to run and keep fit.
But the further I could go the further I wanted to push myself.
Then I stumbled across some similar tracks in Congleton (where I now live in Cheshire) and I love the run.
Previously I just ran when I went home but now if the weather is beautiful you cannot stop me.
I'm one of those who loves all the seasons and finds the positive in all weathers. Never the less, spring ignites something in me. It is so fresh and beautiful. The temperature at the minute is spectacular, bright, mild, clear and fresh. So instead of sitting in a stuffy gym today I decided to run.
The longest run I had done until now was four and quarter miles. I never felt exhausted by it but for some reason couldn't break through. I decided to push myself a little bit more today, unaware of how far that was and when I checked my app at the end of the run I could of squealed with delight.
I ran a whole mile further than I have before. It feels fantastic to be able to say I can run five miles.
It is fair to say running bug, I have 100% caught you!
I just get caught up in my surroundings, all my problems seem to disappear and I adore the sounds of the birds rustling in the bushes next to you and wolf whistling as you run past. It really is a form of therapy for me and I will never look back.
I know to you running pro's out there five miles is nothing but to me it was a landmark moment.
You see I have arthritis and was always under the impression I would not be able to run. But since taking up a more active lifestyle last year I decided a little bit of running couldn't hurt anyone.
And I tell you what, I caught the running bug good and proper.
I probably did my first real run about eight months ago and only managed about a mile but it was a mile non the less. It took me a few months to start taking it seriously but as my fitness was increasing so was my desire to keep up with it.
So when I went back to Yorkshire for the weekend and didn't have my gym to hide in I would slip on my Nikes and go for a run.
 |
| These bad boys deserve some recognition for the miles they put in. |
Now when I run that track I feel so accomplished thinking about how much further I can go in comparison to when I first started.
Six months ago if you told me I could run five miles I probably would have laughed. It was never my aim to run a certain number of miles, just to run and keep fit.
But the further I could go the further I wanted to push myself.
Then I stumbled across some similar tracks in Congleton (where I now live in Cheshire) and I love the run.
Previously I just ran when I went home but now if the weather is beautiful you cannot stop me.
I'm one of those who loves all the seasons and finds the positive in all weathers. Never the less, spring ignites something in me. It is so fresh and beautiful. The temperature at the minute is spectacular, bright, mild, clear and fresh. So instead of sitting in a stuffy gym today I decided to run.
The longest run I had done until now was four and quarter miles. I never felt exhausted by it but for some reason couldn't break through. I decided to push myself a little bit more today, unaware of how far that was and when I checked my app at the end of the run I could of squealed with delight.
I ran a whole mile further than I have before. It feels fantastic to be able to say I can run five miles.
It is fair to say running bug, I have 100% caught you!
I just get caught up in my surroundings, all my problems seem to disappear and I adore the sounds of the birds rustling in the bushes next to you and wolf whistling as you run past. It really is a form of therapy for me and I will never look back.
Monday, 9 September 2013
Finally! A great day to report.
Well as the title suggests today I have done well today. I feel like I should celebrate but at the same time it is how I have been previously so it should not be anything new. But I got greedy.
My mums words are ringing around in my head "you seem to constantly be eating, a lot more then you used to."
Today I had three healthy meals, with my tea I added a small tin of baked beans because I also don't believe in under eating and my calorie count was too low.
My first win of the day came when a colleague bought a tray of 12 doughnuts for the office of six.
Now, I have never been a fan of doughnuts until I discovered Krispy Kreme, luckily they are so expensive they are easy to decline.
I can happily maintain that I'm not a fan of the normal doughnuts and I can avoid the temptation.
Homemade soups in my mind are the key. Packing essential vitamins and minerals with virtually no fat or calories. Also very filling.
I had my beetroot soup today and the subtle sweetness has helped keep my sweet tooth under control.
To end on an even better note, I did a 20 minute run on the treadmill followed by a 50 minute Zumba workout.
Monday is the best day to set a precedent and I think I have, the rest of the week looks good. Fingers crossed when I am feeling weak I will be able to remember this feeling and over come it.
Keep positive guys!
.JPG) |
| It is hard in a greedy office! |
Today I had three healthy meals, with my tea I added a small tin of baked beans because I also don't believe in under eating and my calorie count was too low.
My first win of the day came when a colleague bought a tray of 12 doughnuts for the office of six.
Now, I have never been a fan of doughnuts until I discovered Krispy Kreme, luckily they are so expensive they are easy to decline.
I can happily maintain that I'm not a fan of the normal doughnuts and I can avoid the temptation.
Homemade soups in my mind are the key. Packing essential vitamins and minerals with virtually no fat or calories. Also very filling.
.JPG) |
| Beetroot soup, half eaten |
I had my beetroot soup today and the subtle sweetness has helped keep my sweet tooth under control.
To end on an even better note, I did a 20 minute run on the treadmill followed by a 50 minute Zumba workout.
Monday is the best day to set a precedent and I think I have, the rest of the week looks good. Fingers crossed when I am feeling weak I will be able to remember this feeling and over come it.
Keep positive guys!
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