Day 14

In your quest to lose weight in a healthy manner do you often hear things like;

Eat fresh foods
Pick organic
Avoid preservatives so no ready to cook food
No junk food
Go easy on chocolates, ice creams, cakes and colas
.... stuff like that?

It just occurred to me that there was in fact a time when people ate like that. Actually there is a place where people eat like that even today. That place is my home and many other homes, I'm sure.

My mum wakes up and cooks breakfast for the family. Then its lunch time followed by dinner. Even the snacks are prepared at home. Some snacks are prepared in advance but the good thing is they don't contain any preservatives. It doesn't only stop there. She shops for the fruits and vegetables herself so they're all handpicked after a very lengthy process of scouting varied number of vendors. Of course, since I'm home I am always forced to go along more as a designated driver than anything else.

Of course my family can enjoy this luxury because my mum has chosen to stay at home and not go to 'work'. But is she really not working? I think she works more than all of us combined and I can say that because when anyone falls sick things still run smoothly at home. But if mum falls there is complete chaos. Everyone is lost.

Very recently mum wasn't at her best and was prescribed bed rest. That's when I filled in for her and realised just how difficult her life was. Cooking a fresh meal at least 3 times a day. I for one had totally underestimated the work she does. That forced me to think of the lifestyle our ancestors enjoyed. I think they probably had their way of life completely sorted. One partner went to work while the other stayed at the house looking after everything that made it a home. Its more than a full time job. Don't know what changed. If I had to speculate I'd say things changed when everyone started valuing money over all else. (I'd save this argument, Oh! of course I meant discussion ;) for another day)

Getting back to food. It is our basic source of energy. Imagine having a meal that is personally handpicked and freshly prepared every time! Try having that kind of food for a couple of weeks and you may notice the sugar cravings have disappeared. I'm saying this from a place of personal experience. I can't remember the last time I had a craving that needed a fix then and there...

Wow... I sound like I'm almost contemplating a lifestyle change but I'm born in a different time so I will just have to make best of what I have and that means training my husband to cook decent meals when I'm unable to do so..... Ahem! Ahem! Are you listening from where ever you are? ;)

Day 13

Its Monday!!! I said to myself when I woke up. I was so excited. Couldn't wait to get to a scale and check my weight. I had really followed my food and exercise plan. Well, exercise did take a back seat because I hurt my lower back but I still went for walks. Even my granny's friend noticed the weight loss and even complimented me for the same.

I got on the scales and let me tell you they really know how to crush you..... The scale didn't move. I'm sure if the scales were a girl she would've moved by now. I'm convinced the scale is a He..! So insensitive....!!!! Every time I get on I ask myself, When? When? When will my weight really move to the other side. It has come to one point and just refuses to move. I was getting so frustrated and then the lady who was checking my weight looked up at me and said, "Congratulations! That's 2 kg's off."

My eyes just popped out like they do in the cartoons.... I couldn't believe what she was saying. I looked at her and joked, "Were you up late, drinking or something?" She laughed and showed me the record from my previous assessment. There it was in black and white. My weight was 2 kg's higher than today.

I realised then how I had been out traveling and constantly eating out. No exercise and I had no tabs on the junk I was eating. There were parties. I had started baking and tasting. .. :P I remembered then my previous assessment and how sad I was. How disappointed I was with myself for being so careless after all the effort I had put in. It was like a wake up call for me and made me even more determined to get back on track. I guess I conveniently forgot the increased weight because I was just so much in denial.

Ha ha ha... not anymore... I lost the extra.... yay.... **doing a dance**

Thats not the best news. The best news it I lost another 5 inches overall since my previous assessment. That's confirmation enough that I'm doing the right thing.

Ok, time to watch Junior Masterchef..... see you later.

Day 12

It is true... when you are really looking for something the universe will conspire to present itself to you. I haven't been resting the last two days.. :P I have desperately been trying to decide what to write about in this space. You may have already gathered that I'm not a professional at this so at times I'm caught thoughtless or wordless... :)

That's not the case today. I spent almost an hour researching and writing up a piece today around the "no salt diet" but just when I was re-reading I managed to catch the re-play of this weeks episode of Satyamev Jayate and I just had to write about it.

For those who missed, this weeks episode focussed on how our society is not built to accept anyone that is "different". Their focus was more on how the infrastructure in our country doesn't support those that are handicapped. There's a particular segment about a special girl, Disha that caught my attention. She has a condition where her skin doesn't grow with her age. It's far stretched and prone to infections. Sorry I missed the name of her condition but you see her and you know she has a condition. They spoke about how badly people treated her to the extent that a woman even spit on her...! What absolutely got to me was that she is an adopted kid. Her being "different" is what made her special and her current parents decided to adopt her. Her parents knew she needed extra care and love and they decided to adopt her. Totally reaffirmed my faith in the goodness in people.

Also made me think about how stuck we are over petty things like being too fat or too thin. Too fair or too dark. Too tall or too thin. Made me question why are we too stuck with these petty things.

Its obvious isn't it. We feel we are not accepted for who we are. The way we are. Then again, "we" make up the population so let me ask this. Do we really accept others for who they are? The way they are? The kind of acceptance that is forced on us by some sort of law like the discrimination act or equal opportunity act doesn't really count. I mean true acceptance that comes in the form of appreciation for the differences that makes us all unique. Acceptance that creates a willingness to learn from each others' differences and move forward, together. That sort of acceptance.

From my limited experience on this planet, I believe you can only accept the uniqueness in others when you've truly accepted yourself with everything that makes you unique and special.

No, I'm no saint. I too struggle on most days. Most days I'm too quick to judge but I try. I have to because if I dream of a better society I'm going to have to start by being a better person myself.

On that note I better say good night. It's way past my bed time.

See you tomorrow. Night night or Good Morning depending on which part of the globe you're on.

Day 9

Ok, its official. I'm suffering from a classic case of writers block (If I qualify as a writer). 

I realised I'm sitting in front of my laptop for almost 2 hours now and only managed a blank screen. I'm distracted by the tennis finals on today and n number of questions from mum about the match. :(

I'm retiring for the day and hopefully something better will flow tomorrow.

G'nite xox

Day 8

What? I didn't miss day 7. I just figured you're supposed to rest on the 7th day so that's exactly what I did.  

But lets not waste our time discussing that.... I've got news... and true to my style you don't just get the end. You get the whole narration. Ready?

I just got out of a movie and was in a good mood. The movie was hilarious and entertaining. I got into the car and put on radio. Again it was playing really upbeat songs and I couldn't resist the temptation to sing along (with my windows rolled up, of course..) I started tapping my hand over the steering wheel slowly releasing the hidden rockstar in me.

Came across a signal and temporarily stopped my singing and dancing so people didn't think I was possessed. While waiting for the green I noticed something weird on my left hand as it was resting on the steering wheel. It looked like a little lump jutting out. "What's that?!" I thought to myself. I let go of the steering wheel and moved my wrist up and down to check if it hurt. It didn't. 

Honk!!! Honk!!!! I heard everyone honking at me. I started driving again.

I reached home. Retired on the couch and looked at my wrist again. I tried to feel the lump with my right hand. "hmmmm..." I checked the other hand to see if there's anything similar. 

"OMG...! Silly Tulsi... It's a bone...!!!!!!"

It was hidden for so long I didn't even realise it was there. Don't remember the last time I saw it. But who cares right???? I can see it now..... yooohoooo...!!!

Did you just check your wrist for the same bone? Hahaha... of course you did.... (even if you didn't then, I'm sure you did now..) Smile...:) I'm glad I've done my good deed for the day too now by putting a smile to a face.

So that's my happy story for today.... I'm going to celebrate by bragging about it again and again to my mum till she tires of me... :)

See you tomorrow.... real soon...!

Day 6

I'm in a fix... I'm not sure whether I should tell you about the lovely compliment I received recently or should I talk about working out..? I've spent an hour trying to pick one and decided to just type away. Hopefully my topic for today will pick itself and flow naturally.

So here's what happened last weekend. I accompanied Mum to a physio for treatment. As we took a seat Mum pointed out a sign that mentioned weight reduction services being offered there. It got the better of her attention and so when she was called for her treatment I'm guessing she started inquiring about what sort of services were being offered. When she was done the physio walked out with her and came to see me. 

Physio: "How much weight have you lost?"

I had the look every kid has when they realise their parents have been discussing something about them to a 3rd party without their consent. Somewhere between embarrassed, surprised and sort've expected (she had after all pointed out the sign to me) I just quickly made my peace with it and replied, "Around 20 odd kilos."

Physio: "You've done that by attending the gym?"

Me: "Yea"

Physio: "What sort've diet do you follow?"

Me: "I eat everything. Idli, Upma, Parathas, Rice, Bread" I made sure I stressed on the carbs. I love seeing that look on peoples faces when they hear you eat carbs and still lose weight.

That warranted more discussion and I happily obliged. After a more detailed discussion and fun and jokes he asked me my age. I was surprised and replied, "29" *rolling my eyes*

Him and his assistants looked surprised. So I asked, "Why? How old did you think I was?"

They replied, "19 or 20"

I thought it was because I was making funny jokes and being silly. So I asked, "are you trying to flatter me?"

He laughed and quickly said, "No! You really look very young. Usually when people lose such huge amounts of weight their skin gets dull. They develop huge dark circles. They look tired and worn out all the time. But you don't seem to have any such problems. Also you're still chubby and its hard to guess your real age."

Now, I was blushing...! Gotta admit I was a little embarrassed too so true to my style I said, "thank you, thank you" fluttering my eye lashes and started to get ready to leave.

I wanted to share this not so much to brag about the compliments but to stress about how important it is to eat right to lose weight. After all, we're doing it to look and feel good and when the insides are happy and good, it will automatically reflect on the outside.

Food is VERY important for all your body functions. Please don't deprive yourself of it and eat away for a more Fabulous You...! 

*I sincerely hope I don't have to add a disclaimer here about eating away. When I say that obviously I mean.. eating right.... ;)

 

Day 5

Do you ever dream about things that seem really impossible? No, I'm not talking about those dreams where you see yourself as an alien with super powers that make world domination a possibility for you..! I'm talking about those that you see during the day. Those that sum up your aspirations.

Well, I read a beautiful quote today and felt so inspired so I felt like dedicating today's blog to the same.

"For the cynics & the skeptics, I'm sorry for you. I'm sorry you can't dream big and I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles." - L. Armstrong.

Its more powerful because it comes from a person who was told her didn't have long to go on this planet. He didn't give up and shut himself down. Instead went on to create a world record..! I mean.......(speechless)...! How then can someone like me who is completely healthy ever contemplate giving up on their aspirations? That'd be a shame.

My attitude towards my weight loss in the past may not have been the right one. Its no wonder I haven't gotten to my goal yet. Along the way, I probably lost credibility with the people who thought I'd go on to achieve my goals. Gave birth to one too many skeptics this time around I guess. But that's not going to stop me and I'm resolved to plow along.

Hopefully I have my own Armstrong moment one day... :) and wish you the same too... :)

Day 3 & 4

Since I wasn't been getting any results lately I was forced to do a bit of reflection to figure where I was falling short. One thing I did differently earlier was I recorded everything I ate. So its no surprise then that what I did next was go to a book store and buy myself a fancy little journal. Why? Just to make sure I enjoy writing.... Yes. I'm a little like that.... :)

What I decided to do was write down everything I did during the day. Right from what time I woke up, what I ate, drank, my activities during the day etc. Sort've like a reflection journal I guess. 

Its been 5 days today since I have been doing that and I've discovered a few facts already.

a) I always thought I was eating every two to two and half hours. Not true. Sometimes I had gaps as long as 5 hours between meals. That's one of the reasons why people often over eat or reach out for foods that are high in sugar. To avoid such situations its important to eat at regular intervals.

b) My water intake has automatically increased. Since I'm tracking the number of glasses I drink I am more conscious about how much I'm drinking during the day. Its no secret how drinking water helps flush out toxins, keep the skin hydrated (very important in this heat) also keeps the skin clean clear (No need for expensive creams and scrubs) and most importantly smooth tummy function... ;)

c) I feel more focussed. Every time I enter details in my journal I automatically start day dreaming about achieving my goal. That sort of day dreaming I'm told is very very important. It helps you stay on track and determined to go after your goals. 

And of course, needless to say it also helps me discover a new topic to share here. Earlier I kept neglecting my blog because I kept feeling I didn't have any topics to discuss here. Not anymore..:)

Just like you brush everyday a dose of daily motivation is necessary so your maintain the same level of focus towards your goals. If there's something you really want to achieve and are having problems staying focussed (just like me) why don't you try maintaining a reflection journal. Write down anything and everything you're doing everyday that's taking you closer to that goal. I promise you will find it very beneficial. But don't be a snob and please share your experience with me too.

Till I hear about your experiences....write your way to those great big achievements you dream of everyday.

Day 2

Not even been two days since I've decided to sleep early and I am faced with the mother of all temptations. A newly released film on a Friday night....! Its tempting because I'm a complete movie buff. I have this special ability to watch any movie and enjoy it. There's definitely a few people who can testify. I love movies. Everything about them fascinate me. My part-time day dreams are always about being a movie star.

Wait, are you wondering what my full-time day dreams are? It is to lose these extra kilos, duh..!

Anyway about the movie. Not only does my bbm start buzzing with messages about my friends making plans to catch the movie today but my dad comes home early and says he wants to go watch the same movie...! That has not happened in ages. My parents always wait for reviews or a little bit of my emotional blackmail to come watch a movie with me. I'm convinced that the universe is truly testing my dedication.

Surprisingly, I didn't even consider the possibility of watching the movie tonight and in a totally unprecedented move today I refused to go watch the movie. Instead I made plans to catch it on Sunday during the day. So proud of myself.... :)

So now with both my full and part time dreams in my eyes I'm ready to sleep and dream away.

Till we meet again tomorrow, good night, shaba khair and shubh ratri.

Adeus xo