Day 1

Here I am at day 1. And what a day it's been! The Dr visit this morning included needles for a sweet little girl, and some good news for her mumma. My shoulder ultrasound pinpointed a fairly simple issue that diet and strengthening exercise should alleviate a bit. I was also given the green light at last to commence core exercises. I'm actually a bit chuffed about this!  Except that I have a raging head cold, I'm feelin' pretty good about the next 30 days. 

Today also included a trip into town as my teen had a job interview. There was a visit from my in laws, and a quick trip out to the shops, as well as a full bed change, washing, folding 3 loads of washing...! What I am so glad about is this- preparing food in advance. 

To start on the right foot, I had a fairly clean eating day yesterday. It helped my head was so blocked, I didn't feel hungry. And, I prepared these; soaked oats/ nuts/ cherries for breaky, nuts for snacks, beetroot/ chia smoothies for lunches. 

To make these, place 1/3 cup oats in a glass. Add enough whole milk to cover. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Add a layer of pepitas, then frozen cherries, or berries of choice, a heaped tablespoon of yoghurt, a nutty garnish, then store in the fridge. Seriously delicious and perfect for breakfasts.

I don't get too hung up on exact portion size/ weights. These containers are small and the portion satisfying. I use whatever nuts I have available. 

Hubby thinks these are gross, but in my defence, he hasn't tried one yet.  It's my beetroot/ chia smoothies :) Grate  raw beetroot- use about 1/2 a large one for 2 serves. Add 50gms soaked chia seeds, 1/2 cup whole milk, cinnamon, water and blend. Top with a dollop of yoghurt. Seriously satisfying! Lasts for 2 days in the fridge.

Having such a busy day, it's vital to have healthy foods to grab and go. Especially as I weighed myself this morning after an eternity of pretending I didn't own scales. It was dark, but sadly, I could see that horrible, unnerving machine under the chest of drawers covered in more dust than my swimwear. I could also see that evil number, even in the dark, glaring up at me like a possessed neon sign.  I would rather stand on anything in preference to scales. Seaweed- that scares me. I'd rather stand on that. And seriously, I would rather not share it with the world. But here it is. The number was too close to 70. That means, gosh darn it, that I am still 10kg's over my pre-pregnancy weight. At 156cm tall, I am overweight- according to BMI calculations for my frame (medium). It's 27.94. I would like it to be in the safe zone again. I hear many people bag these calculators. Ok, at times, lean bodybuilders rate in the overweight category, but for the most part, they are quite accurate, if you follow the ones set out for frame size. I am not a featherweight, nor do I posses any muscle tone to boast of. What is being measured is all me. Now who regrets that extra piece of birthday cake. Oops- I said I wouldn't mention that!

Todays Meal plan went like this: 

Breaky: Soaked oats followed by a latte.

Morning tea: Chia Smoothy.

Lunch: Small tin sardines and a Rye Mountain bread wrap made with roasted veg (yesterdays leftovers), whole egg mayo, salad veg, parmesan. Pictured below.

Afternoon Tea: Snack size nuts. Another cuppa to help keep me going.

Dinner: Carb free rice, left over veg, parmesan, egg and splash of soy. (Friday nights are sometimes 'help yourself dinner nights'). 

Another issue was being in rather annoying pain most of the day. It down right burns. My arm made holding my bubby extremely difficult this morning too. I was naggy, snappy wife. But, it isn't my hubby's fault, so I chose to apologise. No one has done this to me. I have to deal with my cranky pants in a healthy way, not attack people. So, so glad I can focus on this 30 day challenge, and now that I'm allowed to add some real exercise- still gentle- but strengthening routines to my week- I'm happier all the more. Now, all I need is for my sweet little girl to keep sleeping well like last night....please!

Comments welcome. I would love to hear from others, your struggles/ stories.

Until next time!