I think that the amount of energy that I have been pouring into a stone of weight has made me forget how much I actually really do love my body. In truth, I really don't hate my body or the shape of it at all. And I really want to re-iterate that I never went on a weight loss journey because I don't like who I am or how my body looks, I just feel like being in my healthy weight range is going to offer me more longevity and better health overall. There is nothing wrong with me or anyone who carries some extra weight and I have absolutely zero issue with other people's weight or their body choices.
I don't care if you're skinny as a toothpick or round as a grapefruit, it matters not to me either way and anywhere in between is also fine by me as well for that matter. I am not doing this for anyone but myself and my ability to stay well and be healthy. And to be clear, my body operates amazingly well as it is now and there is nothing 'wrong' with my body. I have no health issues, I don't take any medications, I eat a balanced and nutrient rich diet, I get daily exercise, drink lots of water and have reasonably good hair and skin. Nobody has judged me, said anything to me or made me feel like I need to change who I am or how I look.
I don't have a poor opinion of myself and all I am looking for is a number on a BMI scale that says that I am not in the overweight category. My reason for this is because it has been suggested by health care professionals that in general, people who remain within their healthy BMI range live longer lives and stay healthier as they get older. That is it, that is my one and only reason for wanting to shed around a stone of extra weight. It isn't radical or extreme and it isn't because I want to look a certain way. In fact, I actually quite like how my body looks and enjoy all of the things that it can do and how strong I feel.
However, when I was a stone lighter, I did like the way that my clothes fit, I did like having more space to move in my jeans and I did like being able to do more yoga poses and balances with better ease of movement. But that is honestly it, there wasn't really a huge change in my lifestyle. I was still doing all of the same things, and I was still very much the same person with the same issues and the same thoughts and feelings and insecurities. In other words, I know that a stone of weight is not going to change who I am or magically 'fix' me, that would be a stupid and naïve way to think and I don't expect that to happen. I am not doing this for any other reason than my BMI. In fact if that was still in the healthy weight range, I wouldn't even be undertaking an attempt to lose weight.
Anyway, with that being said, I have been hyper focused on not being hideous or cruel to my body as I go through the process of shedding some weight and have added some really lovely rituals to my everyday to take care of both my physical and emotional wellbeing along the way. These are not huge things or high impact changes, they are just lovely things that I have really enjoyed incorporating into my daily routine that have boosted my sense of wellness and self care and made me feel good about myself. They have also been quite wonderful to practise over the coldest and darkest weeks of the year as well.
1. Tea drinking - not just any old tea, but a proper brewed pot of delicious leaf tea that is not only great tasting and incredible smelling, but adds to my fluid intake greatly throughout the day.
2. Sweating and Cooling - the odd sauna and plunge pool does wonders for the circulation and is an amazing undertaking, especially during the colder months. If like me, you cannot always afford to go to the local spa regularly, a really hot bath followed by a very cold shower works just as well.
3. Nature Walking - Nothing raises spirits and mood quicker than a stroll in a lovely space. Most botanical garden, parks and nature reserves are pretty empty in winter and you can wander about with your headphones listening to a podcast or audio book for many uninterrupted hours.
4. Dry Brushing and Gua sha - Increased blood flow, improved circulation and glowing healthy skin all happen when you dry brushing and gua sha. I cannot believe the improvement of my cellulite since doing this regularly, and the tightening of the skin on my face is noticeable. It doesn't take long and it really works, teach yourself how with simple YouTube tutorials.
5. Moisturising - Get out the body butter and moisturise like your life depends on it. People don't moisturise enough in winter and it is a deceptively drying time of the year for skin. Do it now and you'll glow for Spring!
6. Affirmations - Say something lovely to yourself everyday, preferably when you look in the mirror in the morning. It doesn't have to be over the top or ridiculous, it can be as simple as - 'you're doing great' or 'you are a good person who deserves good things' or my personal favourite 'you've got this!'
Whatever your goal may be, whether its body orientated or something totally different, just remember to always be kind to yourself along the way; take extra care of your mindset and offer love to your inner-space, and then the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination.
I don't care if you're skinny as a toothpick or round as a grapefruit, it matters not to me either way and anywhere in between is also fine by me as well for that matter. I am not doing this for anyone but myself and my ability to stay well and be healthy. And to be clear, my body operates amazingly well as it is now and there is nothing 'wrong' with my body. I have no health issues, I don't take any medications, I eat a balanced and nutrient rich diet, I get daily exercise, drink lots of water and have reasonably good hair and skin. Nobody has judged me, said anything to me or made me feel like I need to change who I am or how I look.
I don't have a poor opinion of myself and all I am looking for is a number on a BMI scale that says that I am not in the overweight category. My reason for this is because it has been suggested by health care professionals that in general, people who remain within their healthy BMI range live longer lives and stay healthier as they get older. That is it, that is my one and only reason for wanting to shed around a stone of extra weight. It isn't radical or extreme and it isn't because I want to look a certain way. In fact, I actually quite like how my body looks and enjoy all of the things that it can do and how strong I feel.
However, when I was a stone lighter, I did like the way that my clothes fit, I did like having more space to move in my jeans and I did like being able to do more yoga poses and balances with better ease of movement. But that is honestly it, there wasn't really a huge change in my lifestyle. I was still doing all of the same things, and I was still very much the same person with the same issues and the same thoughts and feelings and insecurities. In other words, I know that a stone of weight is not going to change who I am or magically 'fix' me, that would be a stupid and naïve way to think and I don't expect that to happen. I am not doing this for any other reason than my BMI. In fact if that was still in the healthy weight range, I wouldn't even be undertaking an attempt to lose weight.
Anyway, with that being said, I have been hyper focused on not being hideous or cruel to my body as I go through the process of shedding some weight and have added some really lovely rituals to my everyday to take care of both my physical and emotional wellbeing along the way. These are not huge things or high impact changes, they are just lovely things that I have really enjoyed incorporating into my daily routine that have boosted my sense of wellness and self care and made me feel good about myself. They have also been quite wonderful to practise over the coldest and darkest weeks of the year as well.
1. Tea drinking - not just any old tea, but a proper brewed pot of delicious leaf tea that is not only great tasting and incredible smelling, but adds to my fluid intake greatly throughout the day.
2. Sweating and Cooling - the odd sauna and plunge pool does wonders for the circulation and is an amazing undertaking, especially during the colder months. If like me, you cannot always afford to go to the local spa regularly, a really hot bath followed by a very cold shower works just as well.
3. Nature Walking - Nothing raises spirits and mood quicker than a stroll in a lovely space. Most botanical garden, parks and nature reserves are pretty empty in winter and you can wander about with your headphones listening to a podcast or audio book for many uninterrupted hours.
4. Dry Brushing and Gua sha - Increased blood flow, improved circulation and glowing healthy skin all happen when you dry brushing and gua sha. I cannot believe the improvement of my cellulite since doing this regularly, and the tightening of the skin on my face is noticeable. It doesn't take long and it really works, teach yourself how with simple YouTube tutorials.
5. Moisturising - Get out the body butter and moisturise like your life depends on it. People don't moisturise enough in winter and it is a deceptively drying time of the year for skin. Do it now and you'll glow for Spring!
6. Affirmations - Say something lovely to yourself everyday, preferably when you look in the mirror in the morning. It doesn't have to be over the top or ridiculous, it can be as simple as - 'you're doing great' or 'you are a good person who deserves good things' or my personal favourite 'you've got this!'
Whatever your goal may be, whether its body orientated or something totally different, just remember to always be kind to yourself along the way; take extra care of your mindset and offer love to your inner-space, and then the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination.
INNERSPACE
Release Date: 1987
Rating: PG
Running Time: 120 mins
I recall going to the movies when I was only eleven to see this film and loving everything about it. It will always be a childhood favourite of mine, but it still has tonnes of laughs and after a recent rewatch, I can assure you that it still manages to deliver a very zany and enjoyable science fiction ride.
A test pilot who has been shrunken down to nanobot size in a secret lab experiment, ends up being accidentally injected into a nervous grocery clerk and must enlist his help to be released before he returns to full size.
The cast is just terrific, with real life couple Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan filling lead roles, and Martin Short in one if his funniest roles ever as the worry wart hypochondriac Jack Putter.
Directed by Joe Dante and written by Jeffrey Boam and Chip Proser, Innerspace had some cutting edge effects and concepts back in it's time and although they may have dated a little, the physical comedy most certainly has not. Sporting a kick ass cast and a buzzing '80s soundtrack, this movie is a sci-fi/ comedy treat that the whole family can enjoy.
FINAL SAY: Oh God! Somebody help me! I'm possessed!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1987
Rating: PG
Running Time: 120 mins
I recall going to the movies when I was only eleven to see this film and loving everything about it. It will always be a childhood favourite of mine, but it still has tonnes of laughs and after a recent rewatch, I can assure you that it still manages to deliver a very zany and enjoyable science fiction ride.
A test pilot who has been shrunken down to nanobot size in a secret lab experiment, ends up being accidentally injected into a nervous grocery clerk and must enlist his help to be released before he returns to full size.
The cast is just terrific, with real life couple Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan filling lead roles, and Martin Short in one if his funniest roles ever as the worry wart hypochondriac Jack Putter.
Directed by Joe Dante and written by Jeffrey Boam and Chip Proser, Innerspace had some cutting edge effects and concepts back in it's time and although they may have dated a little, the physical comedy most certainly has not. Sporting a kick ass cast and a buzzing '80s soundtrack, this movie is a sci-fi/ comedy treat that the whole family can enjoy.
FINAL SAY: Oh God! Somebody help me! I'm possessed!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
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