Raw food diet.....erhmmm

Typical mix of  fruit and veg for juicing

IIFYM is going well and I've just lost another 2lbs.  But the more I surf the net the more I'm considering the raw food diet, not only to lose weight but also because of the health benefits. I can make it fit into IIFYM, but a juice is loaded with calories which really cuts into my main meal...so I'm flirting with going raw.
I tried juicing in 2011 and bought an Oscar 900 as it's strong enough to juice wheatgrass. It was mainly just for health reasons as my husband's diabetes had grown worse. There were definitely some improvements to his health and I found I had lots more energy.

So I've dragged out 'Oscar' from the back of the cupboard and begun ordering a weekly organic juicing box from Abel & Cole http://www.abelandcole.co.uk/   I'm starting with two juices a day and  a regular meal in the evening.

all ready for juicing

breakfast is served

   So far so good lots of energy and I'm really enjoying the juices, but I'm concerned about losing weight due to the high carbohydrate (sugar) content of the juices.  Despite that, the more I read about going raw the more I like the idea, so will carry on for the time being.

   

                     

Right diet for me?

Still following  IIFYM...  but also open to new ideas.

Last night I watched What's the right diet for you. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdkxTWw-kZg

  
  It was really interesting, through a series of tests the 'volunteers' were split into 3 groups:

•   feasters
•  comfort eaters
• constant cravers 

low Gi foods

Each of these groups were then given a diet plan to suit there particular eating type. I began to wonder if I should give any of them a try, depending on my own particular eating habits and then the diets were explained, lots of  protein, low GI foods, all was going well, then they mentioned that potatoes and bread were off limits for two of the diets.  My problem with this is that as soon as a food is banned amazingly that's what you want to eat.  Worse than this was the constant cravers who had to virtually starve for two days a week (800 calories a day) and no carbs!! Ok so 5 days they could eat normally (healthily) but two days of starving!!

I still decided to take the test to see what kind of eater I was.  Apparently I didn't fit any of the criteria... so I can happily continue with IIFYM. I can eat potatoes,bread and I'm not restricted to 800 calories on certain days in the week ...so long as it fits my macros...Yaaay!  

Still in there...

New Year, same aim...lose weight and maintain my health.


Despite all the setbacks, I only put 1lb on during the Christmas period, which considering I ate all the goodies is pretty good. But I've still only lost 11bs since deciding to lose weight.

So this week I'm weighing and counting every morsel of food. Still on IIFYM because it WORKS!!

My health is pretty good, I don't take any prescription medicines and I take a multi vitamin and fish oil tablet purely for  nutritional value. 


I really wasn't sure what to believe about multi vitamins, so last January I got a standard multi purpose vitamin from Holland and Barrett in their 1p sale.  It was only recently that I realised I've not had a cold, cough, sore throat, temperature etc for 12 months now. Which is pretty good when for the first five months of 2014, I travelled in a stuffy train, where there was always someone coughing and spluttering.  Usually the person next to me. I've also sat for hours with my husband in GPs surgeries and hospital waiting rooms. 
Holland and Barrett have their penny sale on again, so I'm definitely stacking up. http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/

Catch Up...

Such a long time since my last post and so much has happened.

Everything was going to plan and then my husband was once again rushed into hospital in May 2014.
What a nightmare not least because it seems that you have to do battle with the health service to get any information.  Fortunately we had a good GP and she was able to organise home oxygen for him so that he could be discharged from hospital. 

Enjoying the breeze on Baker Beach

Despite the setbacks we were still able to travel to San Francisco, with flight assistance (the joys of that is another story!)

Of course...Golden Gate Bridge, one of the views from Dave's house

We had a fabulous time suffice to say it was the journey of a lifetime.

North Beach, enjoying the fabulous Californian  climate

Weight has yo yo'd, but I've managed to maintain same weight loss as on my last blog.

So new year, still determined to achieve my weight goals.

Due to my husband's health, I've taken early retirement so I can care for him full time.

Still finding it difficult to adjust to. I'm 60 now and apparently it's the new 40 so, looking forward to the next adventure!!

First things first

You can have your cake and eat it ...
If It Fits Your Macros

Back on track this week, counting and weighing...and lost 1lb!!
 So back on track have to admit I very nervously stepped onto the scales this morning after Luke's (my fitness coach) 30th birthday party, great curries and a fabulous cake!! So all the weighing and counting this week paid off, although wondering if I've just discovered Prosecco (had several glasses) as a new dietary aid!
  

Reached a plateau

This always happens to me, I get to a certain place with my weight loss and  seem to stick at the same weight.
I'm 1lb of losing a stone and for the last two weeks there's been no change...It's at this point I usually throw the towel in and binge on chocolate, takeaways, cake etc.



But not this time, I've just been given a wonderful motivation for losing weight.My sons David and Luke are sending me to San Francisco for my 60th birthday!!!     Flights paid for and spending money with my other sons contributing.  It's a dream come true and I'm counting the days and hopefully the pounds as they come off.  With five months to go I'd like to lose another stone at least!

So this week I'm determined to break the first stone barrier. Careful counting of carbs . fats and proteins,
and lots of walking... San Francisco here I come!

oops!!

Okay....1lb on, but according to my fitness coach I ignore it....! It can be anything, going out for Sunday lunch, getting my fats and proteins right or water retention due to the New Moon!!!

 So another week of measuring and counting...determined to get there.


 It didn't help that my fitness trainer took me out for a pre-Mother's Day treat.....

Albert's Didsbury Mcr.

I enjoyed every mouthful of  roast beef, yorkshire pud, chocolate volcano pud, oh and a very nice wine

New week so back on track..........!!