Jenny Craig Wednesday Weight Update #11

My latest Jenny Craig video is up on my YouTube channel.  Today is the end of week 11 so one more week and I reach the end of my first 12 week program and I've enjoyed every bit of it.

I was still a little unwell towards the end of this week so I had to take it easy for a couple of days - something which I am finding difficult and annoying.  Now I've got more energy (even when I am sick) I want to be up and outside and I HATE laying around watching rubbish on TV.

I've dropped a nice amount of weight this week, despite having to rest for two days.  I've been better (but not perfect) at remembering to eat all of my food.  I'm slowly getting better.  I just need to remember to take breaks or at the very least, take my food to my desk and eat while I am working.

I'm finding that 99% of my clothes are too big so I will have to think about getting a few new bits to tide me over.  At this stage I don't want to go out and buy an entire new wardrobe because I am aiming to get a lot smaller than I am BUT I do need to get a few bits so that I don't look like I'm walking around wearing a tent!

As I mentioned in the video, I am really enjoying the whole Jenny Craig experience.  I couldn't imagine anything worse than having to go into a group environment each week and weigh in in front of a heap of other people I don't know.

I love how I have a one-on-one relationship with my consultant.  If I am having issues during the week, I can ring Tammy and have a quick chat over the phone, or have a good chat about stuff when I go in for my weekly appointment.  I've felt really comfortable with the weekly meetings.  I'm not embarrassed about getting on the scale and I really enjoy catching up with Tammy to discuss my progress.

I'll have the photos of my progress and some of the clothes I was sent very soon.  I just want to lose a little more weight around my tummy before I get in front of a camera :-)

I've linked Jenny Craig in the description bar below the video if you would like to go and check them out.  If you are thinking about joining a weight loss program, I couldn't recommend Jenny Craig highly enough.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Jenny Craig Wednesday Weight Update #10

I'm BACK after a break of two weeks.

I caught 'Man Flu' from my darling husband so I decided to take two weeks off from my Jenny Craig program.  I decided to do this because, after much experience with being sick for extended periods in the past, I didn't want to waste the program when I was more than likely to be sitting at home not wanting to eat and not doing any exercise.

I have auto-immune issues that play havoc with my immune system so when I get a cold I am usually sick for more time than a regular healthy person would be.

This time was no different, BUT it did take me much longer to actually get sick.  Usually my husband would just have to breath on me and I'd be sick a few hours later.  This time it took almost three weeks for me to actually catch it.  So I am hoping this is down to healthy eating and exercise potentially boosting my immune system.

I took the two weeks off but I tried to remain healthy by eating good foods and keeping my water intake up.  I was taking some steroid-based medicine so that probably didn't help with the weight.

The one thing I didn't do was eat anywhere near as much food as I do when I am on the program.  I simply had no appetite so when I was eating it was soups and small bowls of vegetables, combined with Lemsip and Panadol.

I've also been really struggling with my illness-induced asthma.  Asthma totally freaks me out as I don't get it on a regular basis and when I do, it's either exercise-induced or because I am sick.  So when I find I am wheezy I am convinced I am dying and I go into a panic :-/

So this week I am feeling a lot better and I went in for my weigh-in today.  I've gained 1.5kgs over the two weeks whilst I was sick but I am actually surprisingly happy with that.  I knew I'd put on weight but was convinced it was a gain of something stupid like 4kgs.

I think I am changing the way I look at food and seeing it as fuel rather than something to simply stuff my face with.  I am also looking at exercise differently and enjoying it rather than it being something that is just an inconvenience.

Talking of exercise, before I got struck down with the lurgy, I was actually attempting a slow jog (more like shuffle) and really enjoying it.  I'm aiming to get back into this hopefully in a week or two when I've fully gotten over my cold.

So even though I've gained weight, I know I will lose it again very quickly and it's nothing to stress about.  We can't always have a perfect week where there's a weight-loss.  Things happen and it's just how life is.  So I am remaining positive and going to continue my weight-loss journey with Jenny Craig.

At the end of the 12 week program I am signing up for another 12 weeks.  I've seen a huge difference in myself after deciding to do the Jenny Craig program and I want to continue along a positive and healthy path until I resemble a SUPER-MODEL!  Well, maybe not a super-model.  Let's just aim to be fit and healthy and not have to shop only in plus-sized stores!

I've linked Jenny Craig in the description bar below the video, in case you are interested in a program yourself.  I highly recommend it.  It's been an amazing experience so far.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Jenny Craig Wednesday Weight Update #9

It's Wednesday and that means it's Wednesday Weight Update #9 and my progress with Jenny Craig.

I had a great week this week.  I lost a nice amount of weight and I feel great.  I'm loving the exercise and being outside in the fresh air.

Unfortunately I am feeling unwell (germ-ridden husband contaminated me) and now I'm freaking out about not being able to exercise!  Not like me at all.  I am either one extreme or the other.  I won't exercise at all for months or I'll go flat out and start to panic when I can't do what I want.  Obviously being fit and healthy is the better option of the two!

Nothing earth shattering to report this week.  Everything is going well and I'm still really enjoying the food.  I find I am actually craving the muesli and other cereals that I previously wouldn't have touched.

I do think I'm going to do a bit of research into going either red meat free or vegetarian.  I don't eat a whole load of meat and I LOATHE touching it.  If I am preparing a meat dish at home I ask Kevin to cut up / prepare the meat so I don't have to touch it.

I've been quietly considering cutting out red meat altogether for a while and I do need to do my research so that I know what I would need to eat in place of the meat.  For instance I know your B12 levels can be affected when you cut out red meat but my body doesn't sustain B12 anyway so I figure it won't make much difference!

Anyway, I'm waffling so I'll end the post now.

I've linked Jenny Craig's website in the description box below the video, should you want to go and check them out.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Jenny Craig Wednesday Weight Update #8

My Jenny Craig Wednesday Weight Update is now life on my YouTube channel.

I thought I was going to have a truly terrible week this week, partly due to the fact that I injured my back and partly due to me not eating all my food.

BUT I lost weight - not a huge number - but I lost weight all the same and that's the goal!

I also did a massive purge and threw out / gave to the Salvation Army / am selling more than 50% of my clothes.  Most were way too big, some were just old and grotty and the rest were smaller sizes but out of style.

I felt great after clearing everything out but I managed to pull a muscle in my back quite badly.  That made me feel pretty sick from Saturday onwards and I lost my appetite.  I did however make sure I kept up with my walking.  

Exercise has been increased again and I'm loving getting out in the fresh air.  In fact if I don't go out I start to get antsy!

I'm still waiting on the parcel of clothes to arrive from the UK.  When it arrives I'll get the lookbook up on the blog.

I've linked Jenny Craig in the description bar of the video.  Go check them out if you're thinking about losing weight.  It's been a great experience and Tammy, my consultant, is just lovely. She's so encouraging and positive, even when I lose a small amount of weight, she makes me feel like I've achieved something great.

See you next week.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Jenny Craig Thursday Weight Update #7

I've got a new video up on my YouTube channel.  It's a day late due to unforeseen circumstances but it's up!!

It's my Jenny Craig update and I'm so happy with how I am doing.  I've lost weight and I've upped my exercise.  Getting outside in the fresh air is making me feel amazing and I get to spend time with my husband and puppies.

The fresh air and exercise are doing us all good and even the dogs are losing weight!

Still loving the food and I'm finding I have more appetite after I've been outside.

I also got an opportunity to work with a plus size clothing brand and they've very kindly offered to send me a few pieces.  I've also purchased a few more (but we won't tell my husband that).  So when everything arrives I will do a little look book.

I've linked Jenny Craig's website in the description bar if you are interested in checking them out.  If you are thinking about losing weight and need a hand, I highly recommend Jenny Craig.  The experience so far has been an absolute pleasure.

Ohh and I had a guest interrupt me during the video, so everyone meet Poppy, my adventurous Toy Cavoodle.  This is the little rascal that I have to chase around because she bolts off while we're out walking!  All I need to do is find the nearest muddy puddle and she's in it.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Jenny Craig Wednesday Weight Update #6

I've got a new video up on my YouTube channel.  Week 6 of my Jenny Craig program is now live.

I've had a great week and I feel like I'm finally out of my 'down in the dumps' mood.  I've been doing a lot more exercise and I'm finally feeling more energetic.  I think it's down to the extra exercise and getting out in the fresh air.

I did sneak a Cadbury Cream Egg this week, along with a few wedges on the weekend, but I tried to do the appropriate amount of exercise to work off the extra kilojoules.

I realistically have to start buying the right size in clothes and maybe only one or two items at a time.  I have a horrible habit of buying multiple colours if I really like something and now I'm stuck with six - YES SIX - tops in a size 22 and they're now too big.

I've got a photo comparison up on the video but I'll add it here too for those of you who prefer to read the blog.  The photo on the left was taken on day one of my Jenny Craig program and the photo on the right was taken this Sunday (3.4.16).

I can see a huge difference in my face - and there is a difference in my body, I just need to stop wearing tops one size too big.  I still feel very much like I need to hide any unsightly lumps and bumps.

As I said on the video, I'll endeavour to take some decent body shots this weekend. 

So I am having a really positive experience on the Jenny Craig program and I am absolutely over the moon about my weight-loss.  

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Jenny Craig | Wednesday Weight Update #5

My Wednesday Weight Update and progress with Jenny Craig is up on my YouTube channel.

Even though I was sorely tempted to stuff myself with Easter eggs over the long weekend, I managed to hold off.  I did however get an Easter Crunchy bunny and two bags of Cadbury Creme Eggs so lets see how long they last!!

I upped my exercise this week and added a couple of extra walks with Hubby and the pups and I actually felt more energetic after the walks than I have for ages!

We had a great long weekend and the dogs had a great time too.  Poppy in particular had heaps of fun running through every muddy puddle and she even managed to jump in the freezing, muddy creek!

Dirty dogs get bathed!

Couldn't help adding this pic. She's a little fluff ball after a bath.

We had a great weekend and I'm feeling rather chuffed that I didn't stuff my face with chocolate or over eat Easter food!  Loving the walking now the weather has cooled down a bit.

Hope you like the update video.

Dixie Girlxox

Jenny Craig Update | Down in the Dumps | Food Phobia?

J E N N Y   C R A I G  U P D A T E

If you watched my latest Jenny Craig YouTube videos you'll be up-to-date with my weight loss and measurements.  You'll also know I've been struggling to eat everything on my menu each week.

I've been doing great in terms of dropping kilos but for some reason the last couple of weeks have been a real struggle in terms of how I am feeling about myself.  I've been feeling really flat and down in the dumps and I have no real idea why.  I think it may be to do with not fitting into clothes I want to wear and being too small to fit into what I was wearing a month ago.

Don't get me wrong.  Not fitting into the clothes I was wearing a month ago is a great achievement but I just feel like I am either wearing tents or sometime too tight and therefore I feel incredibly uncomfortable.

In terms of my actual weight-loss, after four weeks I am now down 7 kilos (15.43bls).  I'm also a dress size smaller.  I've technically gone from a 22 to a 20.  I can easily fit into an 18 in some things but I am still not at the point where I am comfortable having my 'bits that stick out' being visible to everybody else.

M E A S U R E M E N T S

At my first consultation with Tammy at Jenny Craig I had my measurements taken and at the four week mark they were taken again.

Here are my results:

Arms: No loss

Bust: 5.5cm lost

Under Bust: 0.5cm lost

Waist: 6cm lost

Abdomen: 6cm lost

Hips: 5cm lost

Thighs: 4cm lost

I'm very very happy with the loss of centimetres.  I really notice it around my middle section and my bras are now a little on the sloppy side.  I also went and ordered a whole bunch of tops online from Target and out of habit I got a size 22 in all of them.  I tried them on on Wednesday before going to Jenny Craig for my weigh-in and my husband basically said they looked ridiculous and took me back to Target to get a smaller size!! 

The other thing I am struggling with is food itself.  I'm really enjoying the food from Jenny Craig but I am struggling to eat everything and I've almost developed a phobia of eating.  I've been trying to figure  out what's actually going on in my head and I think it's a fear of over-eating now that I have lost a nice amount of weight.

I'm feeling very full and really finding it a challenge to eat all my meals but I'm also freaking out slightly that if I eat all of them I will gain the weight that I've lost.  I realise when I am thinking logically that this is completely ridiculous and that I am eating a balanced diet created to help me shed the kilos.  But in my irrational mind, I am freaking out that if I eat six meals a day I am going to gain weight rather than lose it.

I take a long time to actually commit to something because I am lazy and it's easier not to do it, but when I finally get off my behind and actually start doing something, I can be a little obsessive.

My goals for the coming weeks are to set alarms (which I am already doing) so that I remember to eat each meal.  Also to NOT freak out when I do eat the meals.  I will lose the weight if I eat the menu that's been provided.

E X E R C I S E

Something I dislike and would rather not do but again, once I commit I can be a little obsessive.  I bought myself a nice new pair of Nike runners.  Who doesn't like new exercise gear?  I always feel better if I'm wearing something nice to exercise in.  

These are actually mens runners.  I have HUGE feet.  

The details are below in case you are interested in something similar.

As for actual workout gear - I need new stuff desperately.  I'm looking into that this week!  Most of the stuff I have is too big and too old.  If I buy anything I'll do a post about it.

So here's my post-workout sweaty selfie.  I don't feel like I've actually worked out properly unless I am dripping in sweat.  Definitely hot and sweaty in this photo.

With that, I am going to end this post before it turns into an essay.  I'll catch you in a few days time.  Ohhh and if anyone has recommendations for workout clothes for larger (size 20) ladies, please let me know.  Much appreciated.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox 

Jenny Craig Wednesday Weight Update #4

Week four of my Jenny Craig Wednesday Weight Update is up on my YouTube channel.

I had a great week in terms of weight-loss. I also had my measurements taken and I was super happy with the results.

Still struggling to eat all the food but I am going to make an extra effort this week.  I'm also going to try and up my exercise to see if I can give myself a bit more energy.

I've dropped a dress size, which is great.  Another three dress sizes and I will be at a dress size where I am happy and I can't wait!

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Jenny Craig | Wednesday Weight Update #3

My Jenny Craig Wednesday Weight Update is up on my YouTube channel.  Check it out if you are interested in my progress.

I had a cheat day this week and allowed myself one meal that wasn't in my meal plan.  I ate in moderation and made sure I didn't eat over my calorie allowance, but still enjoyed a pub meal.

I had another good week weight-loss wise but I was a bit down in the dumps - for no real reason at all - and I was having an off week in terms of my appearance.  My clothes are starting to get baggy but I'm not comfortable enough to go down a dress size yet.

I've linked the Jenny Craig website in the description bar below the video and stay tuned for my blog post later this week.

Enjoy,


Dixie Girlxox

Jenny Craig Update: Husband Sabotage & Willpower

This week was my second full week on the Jenny Craig program and it was a lot different to last week.

If you've watched my update video you will know we've had some ridiculously hot weather over the week and the hottest March night ever on record on Tuesday so I've been really struggling with my appetite.  It's been pretty much non-existent during the hot weather and I've really found it difficult to eat all my food every day.

There have been some days where I've missed one of my snacks, or even two of my snacks, because I've had no appetite at all.  So I really need to make sure I eat because this is a balanced diet based on my weight and height and if I don't eat what I am supposed to eat, I won't be getting the calories I need to give me energy throughout the day.  I have been trying to drink 2.5 litres of water each day though so that I don't dehydrate.

I also struggled with exercise this week.  I've been trying to walk three times a week for about 30 minutes to an hour but this week... not so much.  Being a larger woman, I get HOT and SWEATY very easily and I literally nearly passed out trying to exercise in 39 degree heat.  BUT I've found a solution!

I've dusted off the exercise bike!!  This will come in really handy if we have anymore hot Autumn days or downpours in the colder months.  I've also got a treadmill somewhere in the garage but it's buried under junk at the moment.

I've noticed my stomach area is much flatter this last week and also my face shape is changing.  I've only got one and a half chins now rather than the two or three I had when I started.  I'm also noticing that the pair of three quarter jeans that I wore on my first weigh-in are now too baggy and are in danger of falling down.  I'm still not small enough to drop to the next clothes size down, but I don't think it will be too long.  I noticed this morning that my bra is fitting me better as well.

This is my gorgeous husband, Kevin, and our little baby Byron.  My husband is amazing and has been nothing but supportive and encouraging.  BUT he works at a large food manufacturer and is able to bring products home at the end of the week.  So quite often our house is full of potato chips, peanuts, popcorn (which I LOVE) and other tempting snacks.

Kevin also works an afternoon shift, getting him home at around 11.30 at night.  He then has his evening meal or a snack and quite often climbs into bed and snacks on chocolate.

I'm pleased to say - as I usually have no willpower at all and would quite happily snack along with Kevin - that I haven't been tempted at all.  Even though I am bone idle and totally lazy, once I start something, I like to stick to it and I'd hate to sabotage myself by munching down a bar of chocolate or a bag of potato chips.

Here's some of the delicious food I got to enjoy this week...

Cranberry & Vanilla Muesli.

Beef Massaman.  This was really delicious.  Slightly spicy and tender meat and I had a side of broccoli and green beans.

Tuna Pasta.  O.M.G. this was delicious.  

Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni.  Something I haven't tried before but I will definitely eat again.  Really tasty.  As you can see, I've been eating beans and cauliflower as my vegetable serves pretty much every day.  I need to change that up a bit.

Choc Molten Cake. YUUUUM!

Shepherd's Pie - a favourite of mine.

Last but by no means least, Choc Mousse.  This was so quick and easy.  You just pour the sachet into a jug of milk, whisk it up, pop it into a bowl and then into the fridge for around 10 minutes until it sets.  Delicious, light and fluffy chocolate mousse.

I went for my weigh-in on Wednesday morning.  I met with my consultant, Nita and she talked me through what happened the previous week and what I should be working towards in week 3.  We went through the menu and I got on the scales.

I'm happy to say I've lost another 1.5kgs (3.3lbs) bringing my total weight lost to...

Jenny Craig | Wednesday Weight Update #2

Today was weigh-in day at Jenny Craig and I'm very pleased to say I've lost another 1.5kgs!!  I'm also   starting to see a difference in my body and clothing.  I'll get some progress photos up soon so you can judge for yourself.

I'm really enjoying the food and the only thing I struggled with this week was actually being able to eat all the delicious food.  I think it had a lot to do with the weather - even though we're now in Autumn, we're having some very hot weather - and I'm finding I don't have a big appetite.

Check out the video below for my progress this week and stay tuned.  I will have a detailed blog post up in the next couple of days about this week and my thoughts on how I am going.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Jenny Craig: The Beginning

If you follow me regularly you will know I struggle with my weight due to a few issues; Hashimoto's Disease, not eating enough, eating the wrong things, sitting on my backside and doing little to no exercise.

So that's it in a nutshell.  The Hashimoto's disease (low thyroid) has been creeping up on me for years.  I've always had a low thyroid level but when it finally was diagnosed as Hashimoto's I had put on around 30kgs!!!  The weight gain was rapid and awful and I felt really depressed and closed off from pretty much everyone.  I hate being the size I am but I am also lazy and don't help myself.

I decided to diet / eat healthily last year and it was going really well - 14kgs lost in around 10 weeks - but then life got in the way with some personal issues and my thyroid playing up and I pretty much started eating crap and put the weight back on.

Being a lifestyle blogger, I feel uncomfortable and like don't fit in when I am at PR events and out in public and even when I film on my channel.  I come across as a very confident person but underneath, I feel uncomfortable and FAT.

So, that being said, I decided to take charge of things this year and join a Jenny Craig program and sort myself out. 

I had my first consultation at Jenny Craig Moonee Ponds last Tuesday and it was a great experience.  I met with Tammy, who was lovely.  She talked me through the program and what to expect, talked about the food, weight loss and the support I would get from Jenny Craig.  I weighed in - NO, I am not prepared to tell you what I weigh at this stage - and Tammy took my measurements.

So that's what I look like at the moment.  I am 5ft 7" and size 20-22 in clothes.  I do tend to wear bigger than I need currently so I can hide what lurks underneath.  Realistically I am an 18-20 but for the time being I am not comfortable wearing my actual size.

Anyway, back to Tammy...

Tammy talked me through the menu and I was able to replace a couple of the meals that I didn't like with food that I did like. I guess not everybody is going to like every single menu item.  It was great to know that the menu is flexible.

So this is the beginning of my weight loss journey and through the weeks I am going to be posting weight loss updates on my YouTube channel (so please subscribe :-)), and also blog posts on my progress.  I'll be talking about the food, my experience with my consultant and my overall thoughts on losing weight and Jenny Craig.

So I thought I would start with a few photos of some of the meals I ate last week...

Beef pie and salad - this was really nice.  

This is a cup of fat free yoghurt and I cut up my Kiwifruit and had it mixed in.  I've been doing this pretty much every time I have a yoghurt and Kiwifruit day on the menu and I really enjoy the two together.

The Chicken Fettuccine is delicious and I changed up the vegetables to broccoli and cauliflower.  You are able to do this if there is a vegetable that you don't eat.  At the back of the Jenny Craig booklet you get, it tells you what other options you have.  This is really great if you don't like certain vegetables or fruits.  You can simply find something in the right category and swap it!

Beef and Ale Stew is one of my favourite dishes so far.  Totally delicious and I had a salad with a small portion of ham as an accompaniment.

Pulled Pork Quesadilla and a salad for lunch.

If you think you will be hungry on the Jenny Craig program, think again.  For me personally, I am struggling to eat all the food.  Before I started Jenny Craig I would have have breakfast of coffee and toast, generally no lunch, pick at things during the afternoon and then load up my plate for dinner.

Now I am eating six smaller regular meals and more often than not I feel too full so I have to get into the habit of eating these regular small portions rather than one enormous meal just before I go to bed.

That's a little look at some of the food I ate last week.  

I went into Jenny Craig this Wednesday to meet my permanent consultant Nita and weigh in.  Nita is lovely and took me through what happens on the second week.  The menu is different and this week we learn how to cope with eating out whilst on the program.  

I also had my weigh in and I've lost:

I am super happy with the loss this week.  This works out to be 6.17lbs. 

That's it for this week.  I'll be back with an update in the next few days.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox 

Jenny Craig Program | Wednesday Weight Update 2016

If you follow me regularly you will know I lost a lot of weight this time last year, and then put it all back on again, due to me being generally lazy and eating badly, some medical issues and some personal issues.  NO EXCUSES THOUGH!!

I've taken the plunge and decided to go on a Jenny Craig program to help me lose weight and get healthy.  Over the program I am going to be videoing my progress and also blogging about my experience.

As I mentioned in the video, I will be covering food posts, exercise, some fashion posts as I get into smaller dress sizes and of course my overall experience on the Jenny Craig program.

Please check out the video below to see how I faired in my first week and stay tuned for my Jenny Craig blog posts.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox