Big Girls Don’t Cry

Photo credit: Fiona Ayerst

Last week I did a class at Fernwood called Yogilates; it was a fantastic class to relax after a long week.  The definitions of both Yoga and Pilates are as per below.  If you haven’t joined Fernwood yet I recommend it because you will get support from the staff and other Gym goers.

Definition of Yoga from Yoga (dot) org (dot) NZ in simple terms.

Definition of Pilates from Answers (dot) com

By putting both practices together you get the benefits of both Yoga and Pilates which I found complement each other very well.  You may also think that doing this exercise is for slackers, well let me tell you, you work every muscle in your body and you even sweat.

By stretching and learning how to breathe you really get in tune with your own body.  As many of us experience the hustle and bustle of everyday life this class is perfect for those who just need to take a break for themselves.  Relax the body and relax the mind.  Highly recommended by myself - and for those of you that think you are too overweight or too old well you are wrong.  I am still 146 kg and I could do it, only two exercises that I couldn’t do but there is always an alternative to every exercise. 

Yogilates provided by yogilates.com will give you everything you will need to know about the exercise.   

For your nearest location of classes please check your local directories and or Municipal centers.

Photo credit: qwurky

I read an article on Dietriffic today and it was headlining Australia: the World’s Fattest Nation?  How can this be you ask well apparently we are overtaking the US spot for number #1 fatties.  The article in the link will give you a few tips of what to do to reduce the risk of becoming overweight, and or tackle the issue at hand.

It has become an epidemic, on Today Tonight there are stories of kids being obese and everyone blaming the Parents.  The truth is Australia has become a very fast paced country and people work more, have less time for their family life, let alone exercise and eating healthy - which takes preparation time that no one has.

Check out these posts on Exercise, which I am sure, will give you some insight in what you can do to improve your fitness.  The other day I went to a class at my Gym (Fernwood) and did the most relaxing and exhilarating class of my life.  The class was called Yogilates, which is basically a mixture of Yoga and Pilates.    They both promote stretching, getting in touch with your body, breathing and learning to relax so you can release the stress we all carry around every day.

I will write a post on exactly what this class is very soon but in the mean time lets all go for a 30 minute walk, take the dog out for a walk, kick the footy around with the kids at the park, or just make that class at your Gym.

Photo credit: Nataliebehring.com

I had my weight in after not going to the Gym for 2 weeks, and yes I put on 1.4kg.  This was due to the fact that I was sick and not eating properly and also medications and no exercise.  To top everything else I am bloated probably a menstrual thing, which is good for me right.

Anyway next week is my photo and measure up so I should hopefully be back on track this week, still under the weather but am on the mend.  I think that I have been stressing of late and this has triggered stress eating.  This means that at times I have had take away and not anything good either.  I really hate the fact that stresses for me triggers eating.  

So lets see what happens next Monday and hope for the best, I am sure that I will now start getting back on track.  Did I mention that it is winter; hmmm I think this has something to do with it as well.  We need to tackle this don’t we.

Hello All, I apologise that I haven’t posted anything lately.  I have been very ill and am just now starting to recover from a bad chest infection.  I just wanted to touch base to let you know that when I am 100% I will be posting more wonderful and interesting things very soon.

Photo credit:  A10biker

It’s been a while since I have written anything; I have been very busy with work, and home and getting a new car.  But this week I got my period on my own without any drugs.  I was very excited about this because this means that my body is slowly coming back to normal.  I have lost another ½ a kg and in total that makes it 4.4kg.

Whilst this isn’t all that much, it at the same time is a lot for me.  I never knew that I could do that.  I haven’t believed in myself for a very long time and now I have that spring back in my step, I look and feel much better and most importantly my attitude has changed.  This is a milestone for someone like me.

Even my husband has been looking at me in a different way.  He notices the changes and likes it.  I smile a lot more now, where as before I was always depressed and had no confidence.   In my simplicity WOW classes I have learned so much - from my therapist (I call her that) and the other ladies in the group.

It has helped to know others feel what you feel and are going through the same issues as you.  All you need is to be armed with the information and possibilities and you can achieve the impossible - as it would seem to you at the time.

Photo credit: Aloshbennett 

Ladies I had my weigh in and measure up last night and it went very well.  I have in total lost 3.9 kg in weight, 4.0 kg in fat mass, and a whopping 13 cm off my whole body.  I was so happy to hear that even though I have had hiccups with food (a lot) and getting sick and not being able to exercise I still managed to lose weight every week, however small amount it was.

Now I know I promised a photo update however that is happening next months measure up.  My Simplicity coach will take the phone and email it to me and then I can post it up.  I am also getting a little stronger and not getting so upset about the baby thing.  I think I have finally come to terms with the fact that I am physically and mentally in no condition to carry a baby, not to mention all the health risks for the baby whilst carrying him/her.

So this means that I can concentrate on myself a lot more and be happy with my successes in my weight loss journey.  I am very proud of myself and I know my husband is proud of me too, he has been very supportive of what I am doing, I love him for that.

So until the next time stay tuned for more good news I hope.

Photo curtesy of Mumajugs myspace page

Lil Mama started in radio in 2000, debuting on Ugly Phil’s Hot 30 Countdown, co-hosting on Kylie and Jackie O show, and co-hosted some of the largest Australian radio shows, Rumba and red carpet premiers and long time member of Auststereo Network.  

She is a plus size her self and this is what prompted her to design clothing.  All those red carpet events and premiers she went to were proving difficult to dress for.  She always found it hard to find something glamorous that accentuated her body type.  Hence Lil Mama was born.

As you can see this lady is well known around Australia and has made a splash in the fashion world with her unique and exquisite pieces.  She has successfully debuted her clothing in San Francisco, LA.  She has done wonders for the Australian market and has made her mark in the international market.  All in all the future looks very bright and the possibilities are endless.

Here are a few must haves you should have in your wardrobe in 2008.  She caters for Australian sizes 8-18 and in some styles up to 20.  Just look at this beautiful jacket Stella and you will see what I mean.  The cut, the style that it will bring to your wardrobe will accompany any of your slacks for an office look, leggings for a casual look whilst going out to dinner or a restaurant.  The choice is yours. 

Don’t forget a pair of Embodied Denim Bebe Jeans, they are a must especially in Australia but will be popular anywhere in the world.  Us Aussies love the jeans look, which now days can be dressed up or down, that is the beauty of them. 

Take the tour of Lil’ Mama’s  site to find all the fashion you will ever need right in one store.  She has an online store as well as her Head Office address at Suite 9, Level 1, 110 Botany Rd, Alexandria, NSW, 2015. To contact Lil’ Mama please phone: +61 2 9690 0219 and Fax: +61 2 9690 0651, for all enquiries email them at info@lilmama.com.au or give them a call.

Make sure you visit her on myspace and twitter.  

When I first weighed in I was around 150kg this is what I looked like.  I am taking a new photo next week so hopefully you will see the slight change in my body.  Please feel free to comment on this, your opinion is valued.  I have been struggling with the eating allot the last few weeks.  This whole baby thing has taken it’s toll on me and I am not happy how it has made me feel both physically and emotionally. 

I am doing more Gym work and will make a concious effort to eat more healthy and not pig out on junk food.  Unfortunately I am one of those people who is an emotional eater.  It is like someone takes over my body and mind and then I wake up the next morning and think to myself what have I done?  It will be the most difficult thing to change and control - I have made a lot of progress but I would have lost more weight if I could control myself.  (Am working on it). 

Any encouragment you can give me will help.  I need help with this that is for sure.

Ill post more next week when I get the photos, I will also have measurements for you as well as an overall weight loss.

Photo credit: Sevenworlds16

Today I was looking at Glen L’s site, an online colleague (if you like) at Full Figure Plus and found some wonderful tips for us girls on Bras.  The tips are really great as I am sure you have some lovely intimates that you find get ruined with regular washing.  So here are the tips you have been waiting for.

I also found at Body wise Emporium which is an Australian site for intimates that also ships internationally.  They had some very valid things to say about bras being comfortable.  They also have a link that takes you to their site and offers some great comfortable bra options.  Yes even you Mum’s to be have some comfortable options available to you and the sizes range from Australian size 10-22.   A plus size paradise.

Choosing a comfortable yet flattering bra is sometimes a very hard thing to find.  After all women are different shapes and sizes and our breasts are no different, so finding that one bra that is comfortable and yet flattering is a must find.  The link above will tell you the answer.

Here is a link to a Harvard study about obese pregnant women.  It is something that every woman should read.  The health risks are enormous and very dangerous for both Mum and Baby.  If you want to find other studies about this subject please visit the Harvard website to find more interesting studies and articles.