Week 21 has been challenging. I’ve had really bad tummy ache and it has finally sunk in that fruit really doesn’t agree with me. I’m so surprised as I used to eat loads of it. When, in week 10, I excluded it from my diet for 6 weeks I had every intention of going straight back to eating it.
I’ve bought into the “fruit is healthy” mantra for so long that I never stopped to question whether it was right for ME.
One thing is certain, when I used to buy Innocent smoothies thinking that they were a good option, I was wrong. In fact, with hindsight, I think it was one of the worst things that I could have done.
I don’t believe that diet is a one size fits all approach. Just because I can’t eat fruit doesn’t mean that everyone shouldn’t. However, I have been reading quite a lot about sugar recently. I have reached the conclusion that fructose, whether in table sugar or fruit, is a much bigger problem than many people realise.
The low-fat lie has permeated our culture for so long now that it has become universally accepted. I seems to me that while we were all so busy focussing on low fat diets our attention was drawn away from the real problem, which is sugar.
Day 141:
I had a really bad night. Since eating curry for lunch yesterday my tummy has been gurgling. Sometimes my dog gets a gurgly tummy, usually after she’s eaten something ghastly in the garden.
She always lies on the floor looking very sorry for herself – and that’s exactly how I’ve been feeling.
I had a busy day, out buying kettles and assorted bedding for Lovely Girl #1’s imminent departure to university. We got back late and I decided that today would be a ‘rest day’.
My water intake was appalling and I should have drunk more. I find it really difficult when I’m out and about to drink enough because I’m always so worried about ending up bursting for a wee and not being able to find a loo.
Day 142:
Today I was out and about again all day and we stopped for lunch at Pret a Manger. I managed to drink more water and felt much better.
As usual, I didn’t really feel like getting on the exercise bike but I felt so much better afterwards.
In the evening my family were eating rice pudding and I just really really wanted some fruit. We had a tin of peaches in juice and I really fancied some.
Within 20 minutes of eating them I was almost rolling on the floor with tummy ache.
Day 143:
Today was the opening day of Luke’s new studio and I had the first training session at 06:30.
I was so excited. The studio was beautiful and the most amazing space to work out in.
I was organised with my food and had pre-prepared my breakfast and lunch. Breakfast was a made up recipe of my own; overnight oats with almond milk, grated carrot, grated courgette and almonds. It was surprisingly nice.
I ate really well and drank lots of water but I was still plagued by tummy ache since the peaches last night.
Day 144:
Today was a good day. I walked twice, ate well and drank lots of water. I probably could have done without the potatoes at dinner. But I was in the mood to throw caution to the wind tonight!
Day 145:
It has been a manic day. I haven’t had a morning snack in a while, but if I’m honest, I ate it more due to boredom/stress than hunger.
I forgot my lunch and went to M&S. The best I could do was hummus, tomatoes and carrots.
I got home and got straight on the exercise bike. I didn’t really want to do it but, afterwards, I was so glad that I did.
Day 146:
This was an amazing day. I trained hard, ate perfectly and drank loads.
If every day was like today I’d be happy.
The only think that I could have done better would have been to go for a walk this morning, but it was pouring with rain.
Day 147:
I had a bit of a bad night with a tight shoulder after training hard yesterday. However, I got up, weighed myself and did my progress photos.
I was pleased that I was 10st 3lbs, but even more pleased with the progress photos (see below).
End of Week 21 Progress Photos:
Considering I’ve only lost 16lbs I’m delighted with the photos. It really struck me this week just how important it has been to me to take weekly photos. They show so much more than scales or measurements.
Side Quest Progress Photos (end of week 7):
For the first time this week I wore my SMALL Sweaty Betty Power Leggings to work out in. Did I mention they are a small size?!
I’m so glad that I took the Side Quest photos – they have shown much more progress than the normal ones. However, I think I need a new mission as this Side Quest is almost completed.
