Louisa's Weight Loss Blog

As I’ve said before, 2011 is the year for exercise for me! If you sit in front of a computer all day in an office then you are very likely to have what is called a sedentary lifestyle, so in simple terms you aren’t moving around enough!

When you work at a desk all day it is really hard not to want to eat. I personally feel as though my mind is active but my body is bored… so I want to eat, regardless of whether I actually need to or not! In most jobs, it can be very hard to follow a calorie controlled diet as your brain needs proteins and fat (not saturated, good fats!) to fire on all cylinders. If you don’t consume enough calories then you may find it incredibly hard to concentrate and focus properly on your work. Nobody wants their pursuit for health to impact upon their ability to do their job, I am sure!

This is why it is so important to exercise, whether you choose to do it in the morning or in the evening.

The DVD I am reviewing today is Tracy Anderson’s Mat Workout DVD.

This DVD can be done alongside a cardio routine as it focuses on the typical feminine problem areas: arms, legs, bums and tummies.

The DVD aims to help give you a toned body and Tracy is adamant throughout that we don’t want to bulk up, we want to be tight and toned – like a ballerina. With that in mind, I was pretty keen to get started as one of the reasons I have been cautious with targeted workouts in the past is because I absolutely do not want to get big muscles and end up looking scrawny and veiny like Madonna. I have long arms and legs so if I were to bulk up I believe I would look strange and distinctly unfeminine. After watching this DVD for the first time I felt really optimistic about developing slim and toned limbs and felt keen to continue using the DVD.

Using the DVD you will be working smaller muscle groups which Tracy calls “strategic muscle exhaustion”, you’re telling me! The muscle workouts are really hard but they are completely do-able. The arms section is pretty incredible and hurts like crazy but you will get used to it as you use the DVD more often so don’t be disheartened if you can’t hold your arms as for as long as Tracy does in the DVD because you will get there.

You need to wear loose-fitting clothes or leggings as the leg workouts require a certain degree of flexibility. During the legs workout you will need a dining room chair with a high back to help you balance so bear this in mind before you start working out in your spare room. I found my hips clicked and cracked a lot at the start which was uncomfortable so it is a good idea to do a short cardio workout before starting this DVD.

The pros of using Tracy Anderson’s DVD

I thought this DVD was really great, there are loads of sets of movements that you don’t really see anywhere else and I really feel as though I may have made a bit of an exercise DVD breakthrough.

The cons of using Tracy Anderson’s DVD

Tracy doesn’t talk you through the moves enough so when you’re new to the DVD you really have to watch her and this is hard if you’re craning your neck to see the tv screen or if you haven’t tied your hair back. To see the best results, Tracy says you need to use the DVD 6 times a week. It’s really hard to throw yourself into an exercise routine as it is and I really feel that as soon as it becomes a chore you will tire of it and ultimately fail. In my opinion, I think that fitness newbies should build up to the magic six times a week otherwise the DVD will be making its way to the nearest charity shop.

Conclusion

I really like this DVD, it’s hard work but easy enough to follow. I’m not sure doing the DVD 6 times a week to start with is a great idea if you have a short attention span, but over time, it would be easy to incorporate into a daily routine. I feel really positive about the results I might be able to achieve with prolonged use and recommend this DVD to anyone looking to tone their body and look more Natalie Portman in Black Swan rather than Madonna.

I’ve been a bit lax with the Versaclimber lately. I could make excuses about how much I’ve been working lately and how tired I’ve been. I’ve not felt this exhausted since I had chronic fatigue in late 2007 and most of 2008 but with a bit more effort, I could probably manage it. Nope, I have an hour between when I get home and when Jonny comes home.  Instead of putting some time in exercising then, I lie on the sofa watching repeats of Friends on E4 and cuddling with our new pet rabbit, Stewie. Before anyone asks, we do not have any intention of putting him in a stew.

I could easily pop the radio on and forget about how hard my body is working before putting dinner on. Having a goal and people relying on you can certainly help with the motivation so the people at Versaclimber have given me a new challenge – how much can I improve my time climbing 1/4 mile over one month. Bearing in mind that after 100 feet my quads are feeling the burn, 1320 feet is certainly going to be a challenge.

Week one: Stewie has chewed through the wii sensor bar wire so I can’t use the wii fit to weigh myself. I deliberately don’t keep bathroom scales as I’d torture myself over daily and monthly fluctuations. I will have to judge my weight loss by how my clothes feel. At the moment, the verdict is tight and uncomfortable. My size 14 jeans are comfortable and I can’t even get my Kate Moss jeans up to my bum. Yuck.

Like I said, as I’ve been so tired this week I’ve only been using the Versaclimber for two minute bursts during the adverts on the days I’ve had time to watch tv. I thought that eight 2 minute burst on ‘step harder’ settings would prepare me for trying to register my first 1/4 time. Boy, was I wrong!

Saturday: The Versaclimber was staring at me and I knew I had to give it a go eventually. So I procrastinated and cleaned the house. At 6pm I knew it was time to attempt my challenge so I shut Jonny and Stewie out of the bedroom and climbed up on to the Versaclimber and realised that trying to use it for more than 4 minutes is bloody difficult!

The Versaclimber is designed to make you work hard  as you are essentially working against your own weight. Because you’re working so many muscle groups so hard, you’re burning off loads more calories than you would doing 30 mins on a treadmill. I know which I’d rather do!

I lasted 4 mins 30 seconds (covering 320 feet) before my quads were burning and I had to take a break. After a short recovery time, I got back on and managed another 150 feet but felt like a complete failure for not doing 1320 feet. I felt like I’d worked harder than I’ve ever worked in a gym and when I walked my leg muscles felt a very good kind of strange.

Sunday: Determined to try and register a time for the 1/4 mile I put some music on this time and I am pleased to announce that I managed to use the Versaclimber for the whole 1320 feet in three sections. I did the first 500 feet in 7 minutes 18 seconds, the next 500 feet in 7 mins 9 seconds and the final 320 feet in 4 mins and 59 seconds. That is a total of 19 minutes and 26 seconds. I’m hoping that over the next week I can manage to do the whole 1320 feet in one go rather than in chunks and a bit quicker. Wish me luck!

So I’ve been using the Versaclimber most days for the last month. I’ve lost 5lbs this month just from exercising  more.

If you have sedentary lifestyles due to your career, it  may be best to address your exercise routine before you reduce your daily calorie intake. Not eating enough can slow your brain down and leave you struggling to concentrate, which is why I am suggesting dieters look at exercising before cutting calories intake, especially if you feel your diet is already fairly healthy.

I went to a gig with my sister a couple of weeks ago and as we danced, clapped and cheered one thing I noticed was that the tops of my arms or ‘bingo wings’ weren’t wobbling anywhere near as much as they used to. Now, I am technically only just overweight rather than fat and certainly have never been obese so my arms have never been a part of my body that I’ve paid much attention to but boy, have I noticed the difference.

Anyway, as I’ve seen some promising results, I thought I would share the technique I have been using on the Versaclimber.

My arms feel firmer and I spend roughly 10 minutes a day on the Versaclimber, broken up into 2 minute bursts. I have been alternating my work outs by adjusting the machine so I work slower but the result is that I feel like I’m stepping through treacle or I can work faster and get my heart racing but make the stepping easier.

Using the Versaclimber with the backs of your hands facing you (as demonstrated in the image to the left) you will work your biceps.

If you turn your arms around so that your palms are facing you as you use the climbing machine, you’ll work your triceps. Nice change from having to do ‘dips’ to lose bingo wings!

Versaclimber - an intensive bit of kit

So I said 2011 was the year of exercise, well here is the device that is giving me a fabulous kick start – the Versaclimber.

Because of the involvement I have with looking into the best weight loss methods, I have been loaned a Versaclimber to use and review.

As I work from home at the moment, it’s been really handy to have an exercise machine kicking around. I’m too busy to trek down to the gym, work out for 30 mins to an hour, shower and trek back.  Realistically, that is going to take two hours out of my day and cost me £50  ($80) a month plus the cost of parking three times a week. Like a lot of people who work hard for a living, that is a lot of time and money to invest in your health and fitness when all you want to do after work is rest of the sofa with a glass of wine (red of course for the antioxidants!) There really has to be other options.

Having a Versaclimber at home means I can take 5 minute breaks throughout the day and have intensive bursts on the machine. I find it re-vitalises my mind and helps me to re-focus on my work. It also doesn’t take up too much room which is handy as we live in a modestly sized house with very little space to spare.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be blogging about my training programme and the effects working out on the machine has on my body. I won’t be using any other bit of gym equipment as I’d hate to skew the results.

A few weeks ago I had a stroke of good luck and came in to a bit of money at a casino. I gave myself a small shopping budget as I’ve not had much time to shop and not really had the spare money to revamp my wardrobe as I’d like. The first thing I bought was a pair of Fit Flops. I was going to opt for the cheaper Walkstar range at £36 but I figured I might as well shell out a bit more for the pair I actually like!

Fit Flops - £50 from John Lewis

I bought the silver sequinned Fit Flops from the Electra range from John Lewis for £50. I did consider the studded ‘Rebel’ Fit Flops but at £60 for a pair, I had to draw the line somewhere!

What do Fit Flops look like?

Looks-wise, the fit flops are rather chunky but the more expensive designs are worth picking if you want to wear your Fit Flops to work and want to look a bit smarter. I’ve got scary-looking skinny feet and ankles so on me I look like I’m wearing someone else’s shoes!

The Electra range come in black sequins, white/iridescent, gold and bronze so you can always colour-coordinate your Fit Flops with the outfits you would normally wear. The makers of Fit Flops also do shoes for men and children. Fortunately for those who want to try Fit Flops but can’t get along with toe-posts, there are other designs that have the same microwobbleboard technology so deliver the same results. The clogs are discrete but not exactly to my taste but there are open-toe sandal versions for men which are particularly good looking for summer. In women’s there is the ‘Rockstar Walkstar’ shoe which is a flip flop style encrusted in Swarovsky crystals. These are only available from Harrods though.

What do Fit Flops feel like?

My Fit Flops are incredibly comfortable. This is because the sole of the shoe is thick so when your heel strikes the ground it is well padded. You’d think that flip flops that are meant to give you a ‘workout as you walk’ would hurt but to begin with I wasn’t really sure they were working as I walked. I only noticed the difference between Fit Flops and normal shoes when I took them off. They are certainly very comfortable to wear and even if they didn’t do what they claimed, I would be happy to wear them but rather resent the price.

Do Fit Flops really work?

According to the Fit Flop website, their shoes do the following:

• Ease back strain
• Ease pressure on the knees and ankles
• Improve your posture
• Improve muscle tone

Fit Flops incorporate microwobbleboard technology – this basically de-stablises the body as you walk working your calves and bottom more than you would if you were walking bare foot or in normal shoes. The pressure on heels, ankles and knees are relieved as the wearer walks. After wearing the Fit Flops regularly, you should notice your calves are slimmer and bottom firmer. No studies have been officially conducted on people who are overweight but those who do have weight problems and purchased a pair of Fit Flops have reported that pressure on their knees and ankles has been a relief and as a result overweight Fit Flop wearers have been more mobile and able to start their weight loss journey in earnest.

Conclusion:If you don’t mind spending £36-£80 on a pair of Fit Flops then they really are comfortable enough to warrant the price. Like most women, I have cellulite and the appearance of it makes me feel rather sick if I catch sight of my bottom or thighs in the mirror. After two weeks of almost constant wearing of my Electra Fit Flops, my bottom looks slightly less dimpled but I would imagine you would have to wear them for that much longer to see a real improvement without energetic gym visits.

I bought my Fit Flops from John Lewis as they sell a great range of styles and colours of Fit Flops. They also do free standard delivery on orders over £30 which is pretty handy.

Aloe Vera Plant

If you’re a bit squeamish about bathroom visits, probably best to give this post a miss! I won’t be graphic but I know not everybody is comfortable discussing it!

I don’t mind admitting I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It must be a family thing as we all seem to have it! Anyway, about 2-3 weeks ago, somebody suggested I start taking aloe vera tablets to help ease my symptoms e.g. bloating, cramps, constipation etc. The results have actually been fantastic and I was benefiting soon after taking my first tablet.

I have been taking the high strength tablets (one a day) and at first, I’ll admit I was skeptical – you put aloe vera on your boo boos, not in your mouth! I’m going to the toilet daily instead of twice a week, my stomach is flatter because I’m not bloated and uncomfortable after lunch and I don’t appear to be retaining water like I used to. This is a common complaint for women, particularly at ‘that time of the month’.

I can’t make any promises that this is for everyone and if you are already on medication for other ailments then do speak with your doctor before you take any supplements.

All I can say is that Aloe Vera tablets have made a massive difference to me. I didn’t change my diet and I’ve not done any exercise in the last 2 months as life has been rather busy! If only I had considered earlier that my final few lbs to lose were down to IBS and it could be counteracted with a simple table, I would have tried this yonks ago!

Funnily enough, I was able to wear my ‘target weight’ jeans last Friday with no gross hip and belly over hang. This I consider to be a small victory and I fully intend to continue taking the aloe vera tablets for as long as I see the benefit.

I am a firm believer that when you are dieting to lose weight, you need to have a little of what you fancy – studies have shown that people who can’t sustain weight loss are those that are constantly denying themselves the smallest of tasty pleasures. Bear in mind they all add up but part of dieting is learning what works for you, whether it is cutting out carbs, going vegetarian or taking certain vitamin supplements.

One of my little pleasures is marmalade on my toast. I saw this news article this morning  and thought I’d write a little blog post about my love for marmalade. It is yummy and my favourite treat to spread on toast. Yes, I know it is high in sugar but a teaspoon of marmalade is all you need for a slice of bread and you certainly don’t need to butter your toast before spreading a small teaspoon of marmalade!

When it comes to calories, choosing the right marmalade is a bit of a minefield! I’ve seen some that are 20 cals per teaspoon and some that are 80 calories so always check the label if you are trying to save calories but bear in mind that the sugar-free stuff invariably tastes rubbish and fake.

At the moment, I am LOVING grapefruit marmalade. I have searched for ages for the Tipton grapefruit marmalade (pictured) but with no luck.

I bought the Marks and Spencer’s Ruby Red Grapefruit marmalade (£1.55) today but it’s a bit sugary and doesn’t taste very sharp or fruity which is a complete let down to me but I’m sure others may feel differently. I’ll leave it in the fridge at work and invite colleagues to help me get through the jar as I’m hardly about to waste it!

So come on then readers, what do YOU like to spread on your toast as a treat?

It’s all TOP SECRET at the moment… but I have started taking a new weight loss pill and diet plan so that I can report back to Total Chunk readers at the end of the February about the product’s effectiveness.

Looking at the packaging, I’m not convinced or impressed with the product but I do hope for the sake of those who already take the diet pill that it does actually work!

Without giving too much away, it really does look like an expensive multivitamin – looking down the ingredient’s list it appears to be a list of vitamins with caffeine. When was a vitamin deficiency the root of weight gain?

Anyway, watch this space and I really do hope that I am wrong about this diet pill…

This is a typical dieter’s dilemma: I’m trying to lose weight but none of my clothes fit! It seems pointless buying stuff when it probably won’t fit in a few weeks…

Limited Collection Tunic from Yours Clothing

If you’re a regular visitor to Total Chunk, you probably have seen a banner for ‘Yours Clothing’. They’re a fantastic retailer of clothes made especially for women from sizes 14-32. Not only are their clothes cut and designed for bigger women, the prices are excellent. Now is a fantastic time to visit their website as their sale is still on but the spring lines are already out!

I piled weight on a bit over Christmas but sensible eating seems to have levelled everything out even though I’d still like to be firmer. I am a UK size 12-14 on my bottom half (UK size 8-10 up top – I’m a typical British pear-shape) It means that the stuff at Yours Clothing is now too big for me. whilst this IS exciting, it’s frustrating because they stock a lot of fantastic stuff that is the right price for a ‘transition wardrobe’

There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t take pride in your appearance, particularly if you are in the process of trying to lose weight. They’ve got some fantastic items in that will certainly contribute to helping to boost your confidence and get the compliments rolling in!

Take a look and let me know what you think of this ‘find’… just don’t try and stay bigger so you can keep shopping here!

So not only does it log your steps and workouts, you can get any colour you like!

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