Nikina70's Journal, 10 Sep 21

Don't think I've done a YouTube workout for almost two weeks so last night out of the blue I did: Caroline Girvan - CALISTHENICS LEG WORKOUT - Bodyweight Only Leg Day | Day One

Modified a few things, but still got a good sweat going so I hope this will be the start of getting back to it. I've been walking most days and lowered my target from 7500 steps to 6000 this week, which just makes me a bit more satisfied closing the rings for the day on Google Fit more often. Psychologically that is helping even though before I was often doing 9000 or even the odd 13000 a day - it still bummed me out that there were so many days I didn't meet that target. So, I'll hopefully raise it with time and improved consistency.

I haven't recorded two weigh-ins because the first week was just after the long weekend and we went to a lovely concert in the park on the Sunday and because it was the end of the month I decided not to track on the Saturday and Sunday. Hence quite an up-tick, which I didn't record - thinking I just wanted to aim to get back to the previous weight again. I still did IF for 3 or 4 days that week after, but then this last week I decided to have breakfast and lunch as usual. I've had this occasional feeling of slight faintness the week before, which didn't last too long, but still made me feel weird so this week being shark week I thought let's just not go there.

So last week's average daily calories came to 2015. My excuse was that we got our second vaccine shots that day so I ate whatever I wanted, but still tracked. It was unnecessary, but oh, well... The weekend wasn't that great either (but still tracked).

This week I'm trying to increase protein so my first attainable goal is to reach at least 70g a day. I bought some vegan protein powder from Holland & Barrett for 25 pounds, which was a great price for 2.1kg. The sweetener aspect of it is not that great, but I still prefer it to tasteless protein powder. Made my first batch of baked oats with it this week and will tweak the recipe slightly when I make it again, but it was quite good. Might need a tablespoon of actual cocoa powder to cut the sweetener taste a bit and make it properly chocolatey.

When I eventually get some weights I'll increase protein intake further as I go. Hubby is frustrating me insisting that we buy them on Gumtree and then doesn't want to drive too far to collect them either so I'm now waiting for an illusive 'deal' to pop up within 5 or 10 miles. Have set an alert on the site, but still doesn't seem likely. We were lucky with an ottoman and microwave we got, but maybe the third time will just not be lucky in this case. I might have to just go and get new ones at Aldi or Sports Direct, don't know how much longer I can wait. It's been months already! Grrh!!!

Anyway, so having to do bodyweight workouts has been putting me off, but I just need to get over it. Caroline's bodyweight workouts are definitely challenging and if I just keep at it until I get my weights that would be better than only walking. I just need to get out of my rut. Been feeling a bit low lately and just need to pick myself up and do the things I need to do. Everyone I know and love just seems so very far away right now. Just feels a bit lonely even though it's great to read and connect with friends here on FS as well - it just got to me this week.

We will hopefully join a walking group sometime soon to meet some new people and I might try an app to find a female friend to just meet for coffee or a walk occasionally. I know it will take some time to meet people and find my groove. Slightly stressing about finding new clients as well although I'm still working remotely with South African clients and thankfully busy right now, but I do need to start earning some pounds at some point. I just need to take one day at a time and pace myself and take the steps towards where I want to be in a year's time and I'll get there in the end. In the words of a YouTube channel we like to watch - I just have to 'Keep Chugging!'

Those who read this far - bless you! As always I appreciate having this space to vent and thank you guys for being the great community you are! Everyone's going through their own things and we're all there for each other. I love that!

Keep well and let's all just keep chugging along and we'll get there in the end!
Have a fab weekend everyone! xxx

68.7 kg Lost so far: 17.3 kg.    Still to go: 3.7 kg.    Diet followed: Reasonably Well.

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2073 kcal

Fat: 62.27g | Prot: 82.90g | Carbs: 266.93g.   Breakfast: Acti Leaf Blueberry Soya Pot, Bananas, Sainsbury's Scottish Porridge Oats, Cinnamon, Flaxseed Seeds, Applied Nutrition Vegan-Pro Chocolate, Acti Leaf Soya Milk. Lunch: Bananas, Smooth Peanut Butter, Marmite Marmite, Acti Leaf Soya Milk, Aldi Super Soft Seeded Wrap, Aldi Reduced Fat Soft Cheese. Dinner: Hubbard's Foodstore Gravy Granules (Prepared as Per Instructions), Linda McCartney Vegetarian Sausages, Mixed Vegetables (Frozen) , Marks & Spencer Mashed Potato. Snacks/Other: White Grapes, Brompton House Chocolate Brownie, Aldi Tortilla Nacho Cheese Chips, Kopparberg Pear Cider (Bottle), Nescafe Instant Coffee. more...

1734 kcal

Exercise: Walking (slow) - 2/mph - 50 minutes, Resting - 15 hours and 10 minutes, Sleeping - 8 hours. more...