All 'bout That Bass...

"Yeah it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two
But I can shake it, shake it like I'm supposed to do
'Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
All the right junk in all the right places
I see the magazines working that Photoshop
We know that shit ain't real
Come on now, make it stop
If you got beauty beauty just raise 'em up
'Cause every inch of you is perfect
From the bottom to the top
Yeah, my momma she told me don't worry about your size
She says, boys they like a little more booty to hold at night
You know I won't be no stick-figure, silicone Barbie doll,
So, if that's what's you're into
Then go ahead and move along.

 

Because you know I'm all about that bass,
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all 'bout that bass, 'bout that bass, no treble
I'm all 'bout that bass, 'bout that bass, no treble
I'm all 'bout that bass, 'bout that bass"

 

I seriously love Meghan Trainor's song "All 'bout That Bass". It is a woman's anthem to being comfortable with yourself. Now, don't start thinking I am a traitor or anything like that! I am not just a fat girl trying to be skinny like all the 'cool' kids. I just really want to be healthy, fit and confident. I want to be able to "shake it, shake it like I'm supposed to do". So please understand that I have no desire to lose my "bass" or my curves in general, but I do wish to have less curves. To quote a blog I have discussed on here previously.... I just want less dangerous curves.

Over the last two weeks, I have been working really hard to increase my calorie intake as recommended by the dietician and my personal trainer. It has not been easy, and I have not managed to do this every day, but I am generally up to 600-700 calories a day. The extra calories are being consumed by (1) protein shakes or bars which I always have handy, and (2) trying to increase my portion sizes to a half cup at each meal. At my initial metabolism test completed a few weeks ago, the results showed that my metabolism is less than half as fast as it should be. Although we hope that the next test will come back better, I know that I need to find other ways to increase my metabolism. I know the basics, eat more frequently, do weights, exercise etc, but I am already doing these things. If you have any ideas, please let me know!

This week, I am one step closer to my goal and I am over the moon! I am now officially out of the triple digits, as I weighed in at 99kg yesterday. It seems sad to think that I am genuinely excited and proud to no longer weigh over 100kg. I should have never been the size I was to begin with...but such is life. My measurements page has been updated to show my progress this last week, but again I have no full body shots to show you. They will be coming back in a few weeks once my photographer (mum), returns from her vacation.

I wouldn't say anything huge has changed recently, but it is undoubtedly clear that I am  much happier and more confident. This is something which appears to have been noticed by friends, family and people at work. I have to be honest and say that there is a chance that part of this change is due to a change in medication, but I sincerely doubt that it is the primary reason for this new found happiness. Looking at what has changed over the last few months, I guess it must be a combination of losing weight, getting fitter, new meds, making myself a priority instead of work, going out a lot more and getting involved in more group activities (Zumba and Choir)....the flattering comments I have been getting from people always go a long way too :)

Time for bed.

Goodnight xx



Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?

Please Sir, can I have some more?...such a famous quote but these are not words I am sure I will ever mutter again! As mentioned a few weeks ago, I have been surviving on around 400 calories a day (slowly increasing to 500). Apart from feeling exhausted in the afternoons, I have felt full and content from the healthy and small meals I have been eating. Great news hey! I thought so too... until my dietician and PT have stressed that I need to work up to 700-800 calories quickly. More???   How can I eat more? I tend to struggle getting in my fluids if I have afternoon tea, as I'm a slow sipper. Nevertheless, I have agreed that afternoon tea will be eaten daily now (no more excuses). A coffee for morning tea and either a protein bar, shake, nuts or yoghurt for afternoon tea. Let's hope I can do this!

The reason for not blogging a post update last week was generally because nothing much had changed. I was eating the same foods, the weight loss slowed down slightly (800g loss), and I was generally feeling the same content feeling. This week lots has changed (including losing 1.5kg!). See how I just threw that in there? :) Ok so I am now sitting at a total loss of 18.4kg - I am pretty ecstatic at this figure at the moment. No, I do not mean my actual figure...that still requires lots of improvement! The good news is that I am getting there....

Some exciting news is that I am approaching 1000 views on the Twentysix Bites blog! Only a week more and I should have reached the milestone. It is an amazing feeling to see people in Asia, America, Europe and the Emirates clicking on my page. I am not sure if you are regular visitors or just one time guests, but either way, Thank you!!! With the immanent milestone fast approaching I have been thinking about what I want to get out of the blog and where I would like it to go in the future. Since obesity and bariatric surgery has been in the limelight over the last few weeks, with WA registering as one of the most obese states in Australia and more Australian celebrities discussing their sleeve journeys (Kate DeAraugo), I would love to add to the discussion. One of the things I would absolutely love is to have a feature article in a local newspaper that continues to raise awareness  about the bariatric surgery option. I don't think this has to be a taboo topic, and I certainly don't feel that people should have to hide how they are losing weight (unless they want to). I have been very honest about my decision to have surgery, and that has worked for me. Sharing my personal life with people is the way I have lived my whole life, and it felt unnatural to try to close out this chapter. Anyway, back to my dream....I feel that my reminding people that being obese is a common (but sad) fact of many peoples lives, perhaps people will become more socially aware of how us "fatties" are feeling and what we go through. Better still, maybe my blog will change someone's life as reading Less Dangerous Curves changed mine.  It is nice to dream....

Another thing that happened this week is that my oldest sister (a big supporter of my journey), found an amazing website which literally models your goal weightloss! You input your height, start weight, goal weight, hair colour, preferred clothing etc, and tadaaaa!!!

The above image represents me at my before weight (18.4kg ago) and me at my goal weight. I can produce images with casual clothes or work attire etc. Personally, I think this is great as an inspiration piece and I am pretty tempted to print it out and stick it on my fridge. I have to be honest, even the image of the "bigger" me looks better than the "real" me as it does not show rolls etc....but it is a pretty good indicator of the difference the +50kg weightloss is going to make to my body! For anyone who wants to try it out on themselves, check out www.modelmydiet.com. Love it!

The best thing of all this week was that I started Zumba! It is a cardio killer and I am sure that I look like a fool, but I actually loved it more than anything. I couldn't wipe the stupid grin off my face no matter how tired I got. I have started this class on Saturday mornings with a close friend of mine and luckily she loves it too, so we have committed to keep going each week. The class is relatively small, but made up of a lovely group of women (and one man), who have had classes together for years. Some of the woman attend three classes a week, but I am going to stick to one! The best things about this class is that I get to mix exercise with being social and seeing my friend, they mix Zumba with salsa and bellydancing, the group is lovely and they all go for coffee next door after class!!!.....oh and I get fit and lose more weight etc etc :P

Anyway, I think I may become one of those annoying people who tries to convince everyone to join Zumba - be prepared!

I have updated 'My Measurements' page, but have not loaded any pics as my mother who is my dearest photographer is away on holiday. I will have to ask a friend to help me out next week, so I hopefully there is a big difference in what you see next time.

Have a great week everyone :)