Two weeks almost over and I’d say we’ve just about completed every class there is on offer. From circuits to spinning, aerobics to aqua aerobics the staff at Castle Leisure Club are fairly putting us through our paces and every ache and pain I feel in my weary body today is testament to the hard work and dedication they have shown us.
The best thing about Operation Alteration is that the classes are fun, the staff funny and our co-participants all eager to shed those unwanted pounds while gaining some fitness in the process.
Nicola has been scrutinising the food diaries and by God nothing passes under her radar. Experience has taught me that if you attend the classes, that is the exercise taken care of without having to use your own imagination to a great degree. Yes, it’s you who put in the hard hours pounding up and down the pool or running from circuit to circuit but you only have to turn up and do what your instructor tells you.
I’m finding that the food diaries are key. The exercise is sorted but it’s up to you what you put into your mouth and, boy, that is one tough nut to crack.
We all know the theory. Neville certainly dispelled a few myths last week and Nicola keeps us in line on a day to day basis, but they aren’t at home at night when I feel like a ‘treat’ or a ‘bite to eat’ or some ‘comfort food’ after a hard day.
We need to change our mindsets about why and what we eat. Portion control is a big challenge for me. Also I suffer from allergies which I am finding extremely hard to find alternatives to. Thank God for Nicola because after having a chat about what I can and cannot eat she currently has her thinking cap on to come up with some alternatives for me.
I’m struggling. There is no other word for it. I could exercise from dawn to dusk, but I can’t get the food right. I have to say I’ve been a lot better and aware of what I’m eating. But I haven’t got the formula right yet.
I’m praying for Divine intervention but as that doesn’t seem to be happening I think I need to revisit a food allergy expert or nutritionist to find out what exactly I can and cannot eat. At the moment dairy, tomatoes, bananas, pig products, wheat, and yeast are out. What’s left? That’s the challenge I’ll be working on for the next four weeks and I’m going to do so positively without feeling sorry for myself.
I got some excellent feedback from last week’s diary. So if anyone has any pointers to share keep them coming into [email protected] and I’ll let you know if they work for me.
The best advice I got from a reader last week was to have a packet of Tic Tacs on hand and after eating pop one into your mouth to give it a fresh, minty feel which will discourage you from ‘contaminating’ it with other foods. I’ve tried this and I found it worked best after my main meal as a deterrent to dessert.
Thanks Erica.
Until next week, stay active.
