Week 093 - 90.4 kilos (200 pounds) lighter over 93 weeks! - I've lost as much as Tim weighs - Plus my strategies to get and stay healthy in these challenging times




With so much bad news in the world, I am happy to share some good news.
I've finally lost over 90 kilos!

And that is shown visually by the photo with Tim and I together. He weighs 90 kilos, so I've actually now lost more than he weighs !

Don't worry, we practiced #SocialDistancing, which I'll explain later why it looks like we're together.

Tim is an exercise physiologist and I see him or his colleague every three months when I get my DEXA scan (full body, medical level scan).
If you missed last week's blog about my DEXA scan, you can check it out here - Link

As we were reviewing my scan, we realised that I had ALMOST lost as much as he weighs. Last week I had lost 89.4 kilos, only 600 grams short of my 90 kilo goal, the same as he weighs. I asked him if we could get a photo together for such an important milestone, and he was more than happy to oblige.

After finally cracking the 90 kilos loss milestone a few days later, we organised a meeting at Regenx and I devised a solution to the whole 'social distancing' challenge we all face.

Just so we're clear, we practiced extreme social distancing by taking two separate photos and then through the magic of Photoshop, it appears like we're together.

#SocialDistancing

Tim's photo by himself                                                                  My photo with all my mates. 😁













               







If you're a follower of my progress so far, you'll know that the last few week's progress had really slowed down. For no logical reason, my weight would rise temporarily, and then plummet, and then plateau. It was really frustrating, and it did affect my motivation, but deep down I knew that I had to 'trust the science' and just keep going.

Which is what I did.

I just kept going.

I finally saw the rewards come through on the numbers on the scale.

I had finally cracked that 90 kilo loss milestone that I have been working so hard for.

If you asked in June 2018 if I thought I would ever lose 90 kilos and weigh less than 100 kilos, I would have thought you were insane or teasing me.

But here I am, 93 weeks later, and 90 kilos lighter.

It's been a long journey so far, but I can now see the finish line.

When I was chatting to Pennie my dietitian last week, we discussed how 96 kilos might be my body's set point, and that might be my new 'forever weight'. But to me, that was hard to accept, as I felt like I was 1 km short of finishing a marathon. I felt like I had run 41 km, and now my body was shutting down, and refusing to do that last one kilometer.

But I just did exactly the same as before.

I ate the same.
I exercised the same.

And most importantly, I refused to give up.

And my body took a few weeks, but has finally responded and decided to continue with weight loss.

So now I look forward to my next important milestone -

To lose 93 kilos, more than half my starting weight of 185.5 kilos.

I can't wait for that to happen.

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My strategies to stay focused (and relatively sane) in this 
constantly changing world.

In this crazy, constantly changing world, it has never been more important to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, so here a my strategies to stay focused and relatively sane during this unprecedented challenge.

Kick the black dog
Above all else, prioritise your mental health
If you need help, please reach out and speak to a medical professional
  • Beyond Blue - Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak - Link
  • Lifeline - Mental health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak - Link
  • Vic Health - How to look after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak - Link
  • SA Health - Fact sheet - Information for the community (PDF) - Link
Stay Connected - Link
It's important to hear other people's voices, especially if we are self isolating.
  • Phone a loved one if they don't have access to a device with a web cam
  • Use online tools to chat face to face and keep in touch with friends, family and loved ones
    • Facetime
    • Skype
    • Zoom
  • House Party - Link
    • I've only just found out about this, but it looks pretty good.
    • Supported on iOS, Android, macOS and Chrome (browser)
My Top Tips
  • Switch off the news
  • Go easy on the booze
Stay social
- Practice PHYSICAL distancing, not Social distancing
  • Keep in touch with family, friends and loved ones.
Keep the body active
  • Exercise if you can - Link
  • Walk around the block (take the dog)
  • Use the stairs more in the house if you have them.
  • Do some YouTube workouts
Keep the brain active
  • Read a book
  • Learn the guitar
  • Do an online course 
    • Learn something new via YouTube
    • Learn via OpenLearn - Link
Stay motivated
  • Take a break from social media if it becomes too negative
  • Reach out for help in the Facebook Groups
Stay (relatively) Sane - 😉
  • Keep the same routine.
  • Get dressed for the day
  • Have a shower and a shave each morning
  • Call a family member or friend
  • Vent on the Facebook Groups
  • Get some fresh air and sunshine
  • Don't stress if you go off track sometimes, we ALL go off track
    • The important part is to get back ON TRACK and refocus
Stay Healthy
  • Read the Units in the Facebook Group for awesome tips - Link
  • Learn how to use Meal Swaps when you have trouble finding foods - Link
  • Be flexible and create your own menu plan (freestyle) - Link
  • Keep measuring your food as you prepare
  • Keep tracking your food as you eat - Link
  • Think about why you decided to start your health journey
  • Look back at your Day Zero photo and think about how far you've come so far
Chill Out when needed
Don't feel guilty about signing up to Netflix, Stan or whatever your source is for movies or TV shows. We all need a break and there's nothing wrong with a little 'Netflix and Chill'. 😉

Financial Assistance -
This is why we have paid taxes all our lives. Sometimes we need a hand and there is nothing wrong with asking for financial help
  • Money Smart (Australian Govt site) - Link
  • Guide to Australia's coronavirus financial support for small businesses (Mozo) - Link
  • Supporting Individuals and Households (Australian Govt site) - Link
  • More financial support for people affected by coronavirus (Australian Govt site) - Link
Share your tips to get and stay healthy 
in these challenging times

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I'd love to hear about your health journey, so come on and join my private Facebook Group (only members can see what you post). 
There are over 450 members in this group and we would love to hear from you!
So c'mon and join me on my journey, I look forward to connecting with you via -

Facebook - @HealthJourneyOz - https://www.facebook.com/HealthJourneyOz
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel - https://tinyurl.com/HealthJourneySubscribe

Don't forget to like, share and comment on the videos !

1 comment:

  1. Sue29 March 2020 at 11:41

    How really tremendous... You have done so so well and such a positive outlook.. Loved reading your blog...

    ReplyDelete

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