June Catch Up

Evening campers! Thought it was high time for a wee catch up.

I said that I wanted May to be Magnificent, and well, ok, it wasn't totally as super as I had originally planned, however there have been some significant developments.

As always I'll start with the weight loss success (drum roll please), to date I have lost over 2 1/2 stone! the full 3 stone is firmly in sight (as in about 2lbs away) so very happy with that!

As a consequence, I have had to recycle 2 full bin bags worth of clothes, have dropped about 2 sizes and am having a general feeling of all round smugness - hey I'm allowed! I'm right on target for wearing Bikini on holiday October! :D (oh come ON! it's not THAT scary a thought!.......oh......ok I see your point there, well, that's what skirts / sarongs were invented for ;p )

Ok, now on the Life Coaching front - well, yes I am now 'officially' in business! Have begun undertaking FREE case studies, with referral incentives (either a bottle of wine or my soul, I haven't decided yet); sooooooooooooo if you, or you know anyone who would be interested in a FREE life coaching session, then get them to drop me a line! (I have to do that, I'm trying to programme myself to A (always) B (be) C (closing!) (any Glen Garry Glen Ross fans (or indeed anyone who's been on a sales course) will understand that!!). Now, free case studies are only being offered to a limited number (as frankly I do need to pay my mortgage too you know!) so if you're interest hurry hurry hurry!!! lol

Anyway, still on topic, I have most of my 'marketing' materials, business cards, postcards and of course my own Steps to Success Workbooks (free to all my clients and more of that in a moment!).

The only thing left to finalise is the website, which has now been put on the back burner due to an unfortunate clash with a website designer. Bit sad, but the time and stress it was causing me personally was not worth the money I would have been paying, but hey ho, win some lose some.

Until I can face speaking to another designer, website will have to stay on the home made / basic side I'm afraid. That being said though, ok so it wont look glam, BUT I will still be able to put on there lots of useful FREE downloads etc. It may not be pretty, but it certainly will be functional!

Oh, and before I forget, still in plugging mode I'm afraid, don't forget to check out my new page on facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/Helenblifecoach and whilst you're there if you could press the 'Like' button I'd really appreciate it. Apparently something happens when you get 30 likes, so that's a good first goal. Also on the page I will be posting things like motivational quotes, links to the blog and general hints tips and all round coaching stuff, so it will be worth checking out / joining / and what-not.

Final thoughts of the day then! I'm really eager to show you guys my workbook to action, so have been thinking I might use it and post jpegs of the pages or something on the blog.

The idea of the workbook is to give the client a tool to help them focus on their goal on a daily and weekly basis, in the hope that this will help them to achieve their goal quicker.

For those die heard readers of my blogs, you will know I'm all up for 30 day challenges, and guess what, the workbook is called 30 Day Kick Start Steps to Success! (genius or what! ok ok you don't have to say it! naughty!).

I do need to think a bit further on this, try to decide what goal I'd use it for that would be worth sharing, maybe a 30lbs in 30 days thing?

I don't know, let me sleep on it, and I'll try and come back tomorrow with goal & workbook in hand!

Well, that's all from me for now - be excellent to each other!

x-x-x

Catch up

Hey, it's not quite been four weeks since last blog post........I'm improving!

Firstly bit of a catch up - weight, weight glorious weight! To date I have lost a total of 28lbs (can I get a whoop whoop!!) April has been a 'slow' weight loss month, but never-the-less is HAS been a weight loss not a weight gain month, so very happy chappy.

My position at Slimming Worlds weighing station is helping me tremendously! Lots of 'how has your week been', 'pop on when you're ready' 'yay that's fantastic well done!' (for the losses) and 'do you know what happened this week' and 'did you have fun though?' etc etc etc. I'm hoping I'm doing a good job for the members, haven't had any complaints so far ;) Really enjoying the small talk with the slimmers so (fingers crossed) it's all good.

Going back to weight loss April - have to say I have been 'coasting' quite a bit, head not really 'in the game', which is why I think it has been a slow month. At least head is 'in' the game though, but for next month, I'm sure I can do better!!!

On a work to be related topic, am in the throws of setting up the consulting room in the conservatory. The aim is to base myself completely in the conservatory, so desk has now been moved and set up to provide me with my own office space. Next to desk I have set up my gym equipment: treadmill, stepper, rower, strider, trampoline, skipping rope, big purple ball thing, ab cruncher (I think that's about it). Naturally I haven't used any of this equipment in months........many months......but like I said, May is going to be a more heads down month, so that could very soon change!!

Other than that, conservatory has a mega tidy & sort out, have only a couple of bits to remove / sort, then I'll be almost there ready to receive :)

Again, on a related topic, am also in the throws of getting a professional website built. Have spoken to two people so far, and hopefully seeing a third this coming week. I'm seeing intro videos, lots of free downloadable hints & tips, interactive quiz to name but a few shiny things I have in mind!! Really excited, but it's going to have to be a 'watch this space' for the moment.

LCD is now officially on maintenance mode. Am booking her once a month now, with next session due in a couple of weeks. When I look back at how far I've come with myself since November (such as tremendous weight loss, improved habits and personal 'barriers' being smashed to smithereens!), I can totally see the benefits of coaching!!

With that thought in mind, as I am making my own way to success, I am really looking forward to helping others to get on the path of their own personal excellence!!

Yeah baby!! let the good times roll (cue for a song me thinks!) :D

Weight Loss Forum

In the beginning Helly created a forum, where all those needing support, motivation, and education regarding all things weight loss, could gather and become empowered to achieve their weight loss goals, and Helly saw that it was good!

Seriously though, as you may have now gathered, I have started a forum which is specifically designed to help anybody who wants / needs help and support with their weight loss goals.

Whether you have 2lbs to lose or 200lbs, it doesn't matter how big or small the weight loss goal, the aim of the forum is to help you achieve that goal by offering support, advice / opinions, and even a little light 'coaching' from me should it be required!

Simply click on the link below to view the forum

http://www.helen-barber.co.uk/forum

Weight Loss Challenge - Day Twenty Four

When I said I wasn't a slave to the scales any more, I lied! Oops! Maybe it was because I didn't listen to PM's CD yesterday, maybe my 'craving' to hop onto the scales is too great. Whatever you call it, this morning I could resist them no longer I had to just very quickly have a preview as to how I'm doing. After all, this morning I don't feel any different, and couldn't believe that what I had been doing over the past couple of days had made any difference what so ever.

So the results? Well I had to do a double take as the scales have shown me to be 3lbs lighter than when I started PM's programme! Great result, so maybe this thing does work after all!?

One thing is for sure, I know I have an unhealthy obsession with the scales, which must STOP. After all, I really enjoyed the mental freedom from thinking scales? PAH! don't need them every day, I'm fine as I am thank you very much!

I don't know what changed in my psychology this morning. But, what I do know is that PM has provided a couple of techniques in his book regarding cravings, and despite this being more directed at certain foods, I think it's about time I gave it a bash for the scales, hey it's a craving right!?

The other thing I am determined to crack today is no longer being part of the 'clean plate club'. Whether I can detect whether I am full whilst eating or not, I am determined to leave something at every meal, even if it's only a mouthful. Why? apparently it helps you to keep in control of your food, and not the other way around. I can see the theory behind this, but unfortunately I am still well and truly part of 'the club', and very aware that leaving things on the plate will be frowned upon.

Hey ho, for these occasions I must keep telling myself 'I'd rather be slim and in control, than a fat person with a clear plate'.

Priorities for tonight really have to be to listen to the CD, and try out the mirror test (which I haven't even looked at yet and basically involves lots of looking at yourself in the mirror (funny that!)trying to connect with the slimmer you, and produce feelings of love and well being (or something)).

Any how, it's on my list of things to tick off in the 90 day journal, so I really should give it a go.

Right, it's almost time I should be making a move, busy day at work calls so let's just get it over and done with and so I can get onto the fun stuff! (you know, ironing, housework, cooking the fellas tea, you know, the really fun stuff! tee hee).

Weight Loss Challenge - Week Three

Last week was a major set back. Illness, no exercise, and eating habits going back to almost what they were.

Cruise is just over two months away and I am scared senseless. If I had started on January 1st to eat and exercise sensibly (as was the intention), I would have reached my goal weight by now. Instead, I am right back to where I started from, with the possibility of a dream not quite turning out how I would love it to be.

And who is to blame? Only myself.

So what's the plan this week then. Well, for starters I am going to make real efforts to stick to slimfast plan for breakfast and lunch, and have a weight watchers meal for dinner, combining at least 2 litres of water and as much exercise as I can stand.

The crazy thing is, working out the figures, if I lost 2lbs per day I'd still reach my goal weight well in time. So technically it's still possible.

I say technically, because to lose that amount of weight in such a short space of time isn't healthy. I'm not going to kid anyone here, it's not.

BUT, I've personally come to breaking point with my weight. I am so sick and tired of it just being there I just want rid of it once and for all.

Mood this morning - Frustrated! Yet strangley hopeful, determined, and if I'm honest a little headchey. Now I know that isn't technically a mood, I'm just throwing it out there.

Ok, back to being sensible, this week I wont blog every single day. Instead I'll do a weekly weigh in / weekly review blog instead for the time being, as I really feel I need to concentrate on my actions outside of this computer!

Weight Loss Challenge - Day Thirteen

Two days to go until weigh in, and have to say I am a little nervous. From this mornings results I doubt whether I will reach the 7lb goal, however, if I am sensible, there is no reason why I couldn't reach 6lbs - to be frank it fantastic anyway!

This week overall I have been quite proud of myself. I have continued to wake up at 6am, and all but 1 morning I have completed both a toning and an aerobic workout - although saying that, I've done toning exercises only so far this morning so after I have finished this I really have to get on that treadmill.

Despite changing my morning routine to include exercise, it is difficult to see at the moment what physical effect it has on my weight loss. I have begun to change my eating habits, and I know that this alone would have caused me to lose the amount of weight I have already done. Although I do realise that this is extremely early days, and with persistence, the results will become apparent.

That being said, I have noticed a rather obvious change in me emotionally. There are moments where I 'feel' less like a bowl of wobbly jelly, and more like a stick of celery (did you like the food reference there!). My moods have lightened and I'm generally feeling a slightly more happier and confident person.

If this is how I feel after almost a weeks worth of exercise and a little weight loss, imagine how I would feel when I do eventually reach my goal weight - imagine if I really did reach it by the cruise.....my goodness there really would be no stopping me!

So let's for a brief moment put my weight management coach head back on. Why wait to feel like that?

Being slim has more to do with state of mind than body fat. If you think and behave like a healthy person, your thoughts and actions will naturally follow suit, because this is what your mind is focusing on. If you think like a fat person, then a fat person you will be.

I've seen and experienced many times diet clubs / weight loss 'gurus' harping on about how it's important to visualise being at your goal weight.

Great! Well, I've seen myself at my goal weight for the past fifteen years or so, my image of what I'll look like, how I feel etc it's so crystal clear! And yet, here I am, still tackling this problem. Why?

Having a visual image, for me at least, is not enough. Mainly because deep down, perhaps I don't really believe I will ever attain that picture in my minds eye. Perhaps really I believe I am a resounding failure, doomed to spend my life 'trying' but not really trying to lose weight. Maybe I'm not meant to be happy and at my ideal weight......and that is a good demonstration of what I call my 'victim' voice. We all have one - it's that voice inside that says 'there is nothing we can do about it' (oh woe is me, why does this always happen to me, why can't I ever be happy / find the perfect partner / earn enough money etc etc). Pah!

Despite what miss victim voice thinks, in every situation you have the freedom of choice. Whether you believe it or not the only person in control of you is YOU. If you let your boss walk all over you - at the end of the day, you have chosen to put up with it - you don't like it, do something about it! Harsh? ah, but it's so true!!

So what choices does a girl like me have then?

I could have the state of mind that i am 'on a diet', put my life of hold until I've lost the weight, then magically everything is going to be alright. I will be slim, vibrant, and the happiest girl in the world. I will have an abundance of confidence and self belief, doors will be opened, and suddenly, the world has been filled with endless possibilities.

OR

I could believe, right now, that everything is going to be alright, of course I will be slim, but already I am vibrant and the happiest girl in the world. I already have an abundance of confidence and self belief. All doors are open and the world is just bursting with endless possibilities and opportunities.

And if you don't truly belive it yet? easy - blag it! It wont take long at all before you find yourself really believing, living and shaping your life the way that YOU want it to be.

Given the choice - which perspective would you rather take?

Weight loss challenge - Day Eight

Scary fact number one. I worked out this morning that the cruise is only 3 months away!!! Arrrrgggghhhh! Scary fact number two, I am no where near to reaching my goal yet despite losing 2lbs last week. Hey, at least it was a loss, but as I said be, it's good, but not good enough!

The weekend was a total wash out, had a friend over to stay Saturday night (hence no blog yesterday) and yes we ate, yes we drank, and yes, I am back on the wagon this morning.

What is quite depressing now is that even if I managed to lose 1lb a day between now and the holiday then I would still be about two stone off my goal weight. Not only that, I could have already been my goal weight right now if I had of just focused and started readdressing my issues at the beginning of the year as I jolly well should have done.

Yes I am hard on myself, but I have good reason to be. When I start behaving with a little more discipline, maybe then I'll cut myself some slack.

This week, the focus has got to be following my own personal plan to the very letter. I know I'll be amazed at the results if I just follow through!

Right, that's enough beatings for one morning. Time to record the video diary, and start this week afresh and with renewed determination.

Weight Loss Challenge - Day Four

Yesterday I really amazed myself.

It started off with 32 minutes on the treadmill. Then I spend an hour in the front garden shovelling and sweeping shingle (which isn't easy as we have quite a bit I want moving!). Then the other half tells me we'll be having visitors in a couple of hours, so then next two hours were spent tidying, cleaning, and generally carrying all the bits and pieces that were being 'stored' in the living room, upstairs to their rightful places. After the guests had gone, I had tuna on toast for dinner, followed by a little sit down in front of the TV.

After the dog was taken for his evening constitution, I couldn't really settle. Tried to watch TV, but frankly there was nothing on worth watching so turned the box off and sat outside in the garden watching the chickens.

They weren't doing much, so then decided it'd be a good idea to have another go on the treadmill, for which I completed yet another 30 minutes!

After all that activity yesterday, I thought I would be quite achey this morning, but I'm not. Yes, I can feel my limbs quite lethargic, but I don't know if that is due to the time of the morning it is, or because of yesterday's exercises.

One saving grace is that at least I am not sore, or experienced and cramping yet!!

As for this mornings workout, I have completed my toning routine and without thinking did twice as many ab crunches than normal. My brain was off on other thoughts whilst doing the crunches and I forgot to stop!

No Cardio this morning, trying to give body at least a little bit of a chance to catch up. However I may do some tonight - see how it goes.

Food wise, lost slight control last night so now worried this is will affect my 7lbs weight loss goal for Saturday. Only time will tell on that one. I'll be a little disappointed if I do a video, and not record my weight as 7lbs lighter.

For the next 2 days, it's heads down and eye on the prize time.