I did it FOR me!

Today, was a great day! A great day because I took more steps for me! In my recent post Little Steps, which you can read about here I spoke about how lately I haven't been myself and since then I've being taking those little steps for myself! 

Starting Acorns on October 23rd with 55 other amazing women was the most wonderful thing I've been part of in quite sometime. While it was something for my business 
Darcy the Dingo, it was also something for me! It gave me a WOW, and reminded me, I am GREAT, I can ACHIEVE and I WILL achieve! 

So ..... what did I do today?! 

Well, today I took a massive step and one I said I'd never do, as it wasn't for me because "Been there(ish) done that(ish)" kind of thoughts went through my mind many times up until the last couple of weeks but thankfully, I turned those negative thoughts around and took the plunge with my fab friend and partner in crime to join one of the local gyms! 

While I've always known my body can do it in the gym with the correct training, I'm one of those people who needs my mind to be convinced that I'm actually going to take those steps TO DO IT and for the right reasons. 

Some of you will have read some of my posts regarding #BeTheBestYou and Fitness which you can read here and here and while I did do it for the right reasons for my body and health, they weren't always right for me. At the time, if I'm honest I was forcing myself to be something I'm not. 

.... Quick background! 

I remember 1st June 2014 I made a decision to take steps for me, for my body and my health. That day, I was delighted not that I was going to make lifestyle changes to be a fitter and healthier me but that I'd made a decision for me, for ME to make positive changes for myself. My journey while it was slow I was making a difference to myself both mentally and physically. 

I made good progress slowly on my own and as the months passed I took part in various programmes that really looking back weren't for me. Yes, they made additional positive changes which was great but for me, they weren't sustainable. They were plans and choices that didn't suit me and more importantly didn't suit our family. With taking on these programmes, it meant these bigger changes I really wasn't ready for and now 3 years on, I'm back to square one and then some!! 

So now, lets fast forward to today! Today, my decision was made for the right reasons like it was back in June 2014 - for Myself! Today, along with a great partner in crime to support me and vice versa, we joined our local gym, All Aspects Fitness and while yes its day one, we're looking forward to our journey ahead! 

Today, I walked away with my own goals, goals that are achievable for me and over the next 6 weeks, I'm going to work towards them. I say 6 weeks because, yes, I do plan to enjoy the festive season. While there will be some visits to the gym over the festives, there will also be visits to the box of choccies and some drinkies!! 

So my decision today was all for ME and not what other people have said I should / shouldn't do. Today I'm chuffed, I made this decision and I'm looking forward to tomorrows session and training with my great friend in crime. I know, I'll be like a ball of jelly as each training session progresses, but I also know, it will be worth it and it's for me! 

Going back on my "word" for me!

Yesterday I put up the image below on my social media accounts which some of you may have seen. There are some of you who will know exactly what I got up to but for those who don't, I joined Slimming World! I know, I know, not another person / blogger joining Slimming World! There are some of you saying "You said you'd never join something like this!" Well, I did and to be honest I'm quite glad I gave in for various reasons.  

As many of you know I'm at home with two children aged 4 & 2. Along with minding my precious babies and our home I'm also in the process of setting up a business aka #SecretProject ;-). With all of that I'm trying to also mind me and make sure I'm in good shape. Like many of us though when you are juggling a lot of things something has to give and in my case it has been me! 

My weight over the years has fluctuated so much with my heaviest being about 13St 7lb to my lightest over the last 5 years being 11St 5lb. The last year more so I have really struggled to get back to even the 11St 5lb mark. Up until about 6 weeks ago I was just 1lb off reaching it but alas, I let life get in my way and now I'm nearly 1 stone off that target (as per my scales ;-)!). 


So, why did I join if I was able to do it before? Well, I'II tell ya! Laziness in a way and wanting to clear some much needed head space! I don't want to have to think any more about what I should be eating! I want someone to say "Eat this and you will loose the weight". I want to see recipes in front of me that are there to help me on my weight loss journey. 
When you are trying to lose weight alone it is a lot easier to give into temptations and say "I'II start again tomorrow" .....my weight fluctuation shows I've said this to myself more than once! 

The last few months I really have found it so draining thinking of my weight and looking at my wardrobe or lack of as I refuse to buy anything until I'm smaller. I can see with me not having the right head space to keep myself on track that I'm beginning to creep nearer to that 13 stone mark and it wont be long until I'm back into a size 16 which I don't want. 

Now that I have joined I feel quite relieved as it is in some ways one less thing for me to worry about. I can now concentrate more on other things knowing that if I follow the steps remain sensible I will achieve my goals. I know that with losing the weight it will give me more of the energy I need to build my business and also give me more importantly a better lifestyle with my family. 

So, as per my weigh in yesterday afternoon I am 12St 7lb! I'm going to go by this as my starting weight as I know my scales can fluctuate plus at home I always weigh myself in the morning before breakfast (yesterday morning I was 12 stone 3lb ;-)!) . The target I have set for myself is 10St 7lb. Not an ideal weight for my height but fir me it is an achievable goal and a starting point. 

I'm not going to be blogging about my journey through Slimming World (yay, I hear some of you say, lol), maybe the odd post when I reach milstones but if you are following me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat (username: @chirpslilredhen) I'll share some of my journey with some pictures and updates on my weight loss. 

It's all down to planning!

Today has been a pretty big day for me. For those of you who follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram you will know that today I attended a meeting at Kildare's Local Enterprise Office. This meeting was a big step for me in bringing #SecretProject one step closer to becoming a reality! For the last 24 hours I have been preparing myself mentally for the meeting and thinking of the various outcomes! With thinking of the business I've also been thinking a lot about my blog too! 

When I first began my blog I never thought that I'd be writing and sharing with you about setting up a business. As I write this now and say to myself "I'm going to be opening up a business" it seems crazy and in ways I wonder if I'm nuts? 

Its feels so surreal how my journey has changed from my initial post 17 months ago! I feel now that my blog is no longer about the "Clucks and Downs" of a stay at home mum but of a work at home mum! Becoming a work at home mum is both exciting and frightening! The frightening part for me is not if the business will fail but that I might let down my family. For nearly 5 years I have been at home with my family and I have watched them grow. Now with setting up a business I'm adding additional tasks to my day and in turn my family won't have me there in the same way anymore and this in ways scares me. 

My reasons for wanting to set up this business is because I believe it will be a success and I want to try and be able to help towards providing for my family. My family mean the world to me and I want to help if I can by providing in some way for them now and into the future. 

As I've been preparing business plans, working on branding and sourcing people for things like marketing and a website I've found myself feeling a new lease of life. As I do all of this, I'm reminded of a lot of things I was great at in a former life and it makes me smile. While I'm somewhat scared I might let my family down, I know too that if I plan well and use my multitasking skills then it will benefit us all. I know that I can do both......it will take a lot of planning and learning along the way but I know I can and I will help towards providing for my family! I've faith in my family and I know they have faith in me! Together, we will plan the right steps for us to make the journey smoother when the business launches. 

So, after a big step today for #SecretProject, it is a big step too for Chirps from a Little Red Hen! No longer will you be reading about the "Clucks and Downs" of a stay at home mum but the "Clucks and Downs" of a work at home mum ......here's hoping there's a lot more "Clucks" ;-)

Netflix - What we're looking forward to!

For those of you who are already hooked on Netflix you will already know that there is great viewing just moments away and new programes are always being added to tempt us all the more! For both young and old and no matter the mood there is something there for you to watch. So here are some of the programes we are looking forward to in the coming weeks. 

House of Cards

From the start my husband and I have been hooked on House of Cards. As we watched each chapter we we learned more about how Claire (Robin Wright) and Frank (Kevin Spacey) Underwood and that they are willing to do anything to get what they want within the political world. As a couple though, just when you think you understand their relationship they throw something at you to put you off the scent of knowing who they REALLY are. 

My husband and I stretched out our viewing of the 3 Series of House of Cards so that we didn't have too long a wait until Season 4. Last night we watched the last chapter of Season 3 and thankfully we don't have too long a wait for Season 4 and I'm really looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for the Underwoods! 

Flaked

Flaked is a Netflix production about the story of Chip, a long-time resident of Venice, California who falls for the object of his best friend's fascination. Soon there is a tangled web of half-truths that underpins his all-important image and sobriety begins to unravel. Five-time Emmy Award nominee Will Arnett plays Chip, a man doing his best to stay one step ahead of his own lies. The series also stars David Sullivan, Ruth Kearney and George Basil. Executive producers Will Arnett and Mark Chappell (The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret) co-created and co-wrote the 8-episode series. Ben Silverman (Founder and Chairman of Electus), Peter Principato and Mitch Hurwitz (Arrested Development) also serve as executive producers on the show. Electus and Principato-Young are providing production services. 

Flaked premieres 11th March. 

Cooked

This is an original Netflix documentary series which looks at the primal human need to cook and looks for us to return to the kitchen to save some lost traditions and bring some balance within our lives. 

The documentary is broken into 4 series which examine the physical elements Fire, Water, Air and Earth which have been used throughout the ages and have transformed basic raw ingredients into delicious meals. The viewer is brought on a journey where they meet a variety of people learning more about their cultures and their traditions. 

“Fire”

With help from Aboriginal hunters and a barbecue pit master, we are shown how fire shaped human gastronomy, and weighs our duty to the animals we eat.

“Water”

Here we see the kitchens of India for a lesson in the value of pot cooking and examines the consequences of eating highly processed food.

“Air”

Visiting the food labs and Moroccan fields the episode delves into the science of bread-making and the nature of gluten.

“Earth”

This episode discovers how microbes help turn raw ingredients into delicacies like chocolate and cheese and tackles the mysterious process of fermentation.

The series premieres on 16 February 16 at the Berlinale Film Festival in the Culinary Cinema Program, and launches globally on Netflix on 19 February. 

Above are just a small sample of some great offerings from Netflix. What are some of your Netflix favourites? 

Giving it my all!

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Like many of us January is a time to get ourselves back into healthy eating habits or maybe even starting afresh. Some of us will last the month maybe even longer and others just a matter of hours. What we sometimes forget is that healthy eating is a journey and some journeys can take longer than others and we need to take our time and enjoy the ride ;-)

Now that the festive season is over and all temptations have been disposed of (eaten!) I am now on my third and final month of using XLS-Medical Max Strength. I must say this month more than others I am even more determined to get my weight down. Like many we use Christmas and the New Year as an excuse to over indulge and while this season I was a lot better than I have been in the past I now want to get back to a healthier me. I want to make 2016 the year that I finally can say I am at a weight that I am happy with and that is healthy. Don't get me wrong, I am happy with myself but I know my weight and fitness are not healthy for me and I need to turn this around. 

"I'm dropping in the right direction"

In a recent post "I'm dropping in the right direction" I shared with you some figures to show you how my weight and measurements have changed since I began my journey in June 2014. As you can see above there have been quite a number of fluctuations and today After popping down this morning to check my current weight in Marrons Pharmacy, I'd like to update you on where I am now. 

While there is not a big difference with my weight you can see from my waist I have lost nearly 4 inches which to me is great. While it is important that my weight drops in the right direction I feel it is important that I look at the overall numbers. If I am exercising more and toning up it means that I am gaining muscle which in turn is heavier than fat. 

Prior to Christmas I had weighed myself in Marrons Pharmacy and I was 76.75kg so a 0.9kg gain over the Christmas isn't too bad (I think!)! Tracking your inch loss is a great way to show you how your body is changing in a positive way. 

On the slide robes in our bedroom I wrote down my weight, waist and also my stomach measurements on 1st June 2014! None were a pretty read but I'm glad to say that since then I have lost over 4.5inches off my stomach alone! My aim is that by the end of January I will add at least another inch off my stomach along with some more losses in the right places ;-)

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So, with this being my final month using XLS-Medical Max Strength I really want to give it my all and here is how I plan to do so! 

• Dry January - This year I am taking part in Dry January. I think this is great not only for cutting down on alcohol but for keeping me focused. Like many I enjoy a drinkie at the weekend but by cutting it out for the coming weeks I hope to see a significant difference. 
• Kettlebells! - I've increased the weight I use when I do my Squats with this 2.5kg kettlebell I purchased in Aldi yesterday for only €5.99. I'm not out to bulk myself up with muscle but I wold like to tone what I do have! 

• Squats - I will be increasing the number of squats I do from a minimum of 50 to 60 per day. Along with that I will be increasing the number of days I do them from 3 to a minimum of 4 but no more than 5 days per week. 
• Walking - It is time for me to up my pace! With my son being back to school tomorrow (YAY) and weather permitting I will be walking him to and from school each day. When the weather is not on my side I will be taking advantage of the kids early bedtime and getting out in the evenings to make sure I get the fresh air and exercise I need! 
• Diet - I will be concentrating all the more on having a healthier diet. I want to try and avoid sandwiches at least 5 days per week and come up for some alternatives that I know I will and can eat! 

Above are just simple changes that I am making but I believe that these changes will make a significant difference to me and that I am losing weight and inches plus also benefiting my health. 

Each week I will be dropping into Jonathan in Marrons Pharmacy to check on my weight loss and I will be updating you all via my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so don't forget to follow to see how my journey is going ;-)

What are your top tips for weight loss? What areas do you struggle with?

Reflecting on where I began!

The last few months for me have been quite erratic to say the least! There have been "clucks" and more so some downs but I feel finally we are veering away from the negatives that have occurred the last few months and we are on the "cluck, cluck, cluck! 
During this time I also missed out on my blogs "Blogiversary"! When I reaslised I couldn't help but reflect on the past year and in some ways make some resolutions for me and my little corner of the blogging world! 

I remember when I first shared with you A Chirpy Introduction I was both excited and nervous. Blogging was something I'd thought about for quite some time and now I was finally doing it, I was going to be sharing with you a little bit more about me and hoping you'd enjoy the journey. As time passed I felt I lost a little bit of where I wanted to go with my blog. I took on too much for myself with #MeetTheBloggers and #YourAnInspiration. I committed to blogging twice a week and was also writing for MummyPages. All of this took it's toll and I took a break ("Just taking a little break") which helped me regenerate and change some things ("I'm back Chirpin"). 

A year on, now that there is no longer a #MeetTheBlogger and #YourAnInspiration series and I am no longer writing for MummyPages I feel there is a new lease of life in me. I now feel I really can get back to that day a little over a year ago and share more of my "clucks and downs" with you all as a stay at home mum and my journey now too with #SecretProject to becoming a Work at Home Mum! The idea of this frightens me at times as I will be really coming out of my comfort zone and yet at the same time I'm excited that I'm dusting off some skills I have and learning some new ones! 

So, while I know its not the New Year yet my resolution for 2016 begins with you all now and that is to share with you a little more about me and my journeys along the way ;-)

I'm dropping in the right direction!

So, it's 3 weeks since I wrote "It's Full Steam Ahead"  and I'd like to give you an update as to how I'm getting on, on my journey to a healthier me! 

Overall the last few weeks has been quite good considering some obstacles that we're both put in my way and if I'm honest, that I allowed get in my way! There's no point me making up things, the fact of the matter is I ate chocolate, I enjoyed a few drinks and I ate some carb rich foods. Do I regret it? Well no! This journey is not about me denying myself, it is about me learning to make changes. I'm never going to eat salads on a daily basis but I can learn to make simple changes and that is what I am doing. 

Instead of my usual sandwich I now grab an omelette full of vegetables. For me its a great way to get the added goodness I need! 

This week, I had both a great chat with Jonathan from Marrons Pharmacy and also Jodie the dietitian from XLS-Medical. I'm so lucky having such great support on my journey. It can be tough to keep yourself motivated and on the right track but when you receive support and advice that you are on the right direction it gives you confidence. Also this week I weighed myself properly for the first time since my journey began and I'm glad to say I'm going in the right direction! 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/riva-greenberg/weight-loss-tips_b_3832622.html

Seeing how I was getting on and also after speaking with both Jonathan and Jodie it got me thinking of when I first began my journey 1st June 2014. During these 17 months I've gone from losing 23 pounds within 6 months to letting it slowing but surely creep back up, drop back again and yes, you've guessed it, letting it creep back up. As I've often said, I'm not going to beat myself up about undoing some of my hard work because there were lots of reasons why this happened plus its more important that I'm getting myself back on track. 

Those of us who have tried to lose weight will know when we hop on the scales we love to see that number getting lower and when we don't see what we hope to, we can get disheartened. Many of us forget though as we are eating healthier and exercising not only are we losing weight but we are gaining muscle which is heavier and healthier than fat! So with that in mind I'd not only like to update you on my current weight loss, but also on the changes in my measurements since I began my journey in 2014. 

So as you can see there is quite a fluctuation. I didn't include how in November 2014 I was at 73 kg which began to increase during the months that followed as it did from April 2015. Looking back on this, it really does show how weight loss really is a journey. There are so many factors that need to be taken into consideration just as we would when we get in the car to travel somewhere. 
When I look back on these figures I'm reminded of the obstacles I've met and also the positives that helped me on my journey. To date I'm proud of what I've achieved because I know I can do it and I will get back to the 73 kg mark again but not only that I plan to to go below, well below I hope the 70 kg mark! 

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/09/how-to-set-goals-when-you-have-no-idea.html

So with my weight loss to date being 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) there are some goals I have set with both Jonathan and Jodi.With taking into consideration the festive season nearly here I want to ensure that I do my best to keep myself on track before then so that I can enjoy (sensibly) some yummy treats over Christmas, so with that in mind here are my goals. 

My Goals

Continue to drink 3+ liters of water per day

Continue to reduce the number of sandwiches I eat by at least 3 days per week

Continue walking 5 days per week

Lose 2.7 kg (6 lbs) before Christmas 

To do 50 Squats 3 days per week minimum

I firmly believe that these are achievable goals and with meeting Jonathan on a weekly basis to weigh myself it will help keep me on track to achieving them. 

What are your tips to get eating more fruit and vegetables during the day?

Do you set any weight loss goals with the festive season in mind?

Remember to follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram where I will keep you updated on what I'm eating or how I'm getting on, on a daily basis. 

It's Full Steam Ahead!

So Chirps, since writing my recent post "Updating the signage" there has been some developments and all is looking good! So let me fill you in on what has been happening! 

Taking care of me! 

As I'd mentioned it was time for me to take control of myself and my weight. Last week I had the chance to meet with Jonathan at Marron's Pharmacy where I had a full cardiac screen. So what did this include? Well, I'd my cholesterol, hemoglobin and diabetes screened along with my blood pressure being checked. I'd a lifestyle exam and I was weighed (hanging head in major shame!) and from that then my BMI was calculated! 

Before I reveal these results as I've said before I know I could beat myself up about how I've gained back the weight I'd lost but there is no point as it will do me no good. Whats important is that I'm doing something about it!

Results

Weight - 80.5kg (12.68 Stone)

BMI - 33.1

Blood Pressure - 126/97

Cholesterol - 5.54 (This was also broken down as to the figures for types of cholesterol)

Blood Glucose - 5.69

Haemoglobin - 13.7

From above results overall considering my weight they were not too bad. The areas I need to focus on is my weight to bring down my BMI and my blood pressure. I would normally have a low blood pressure so it is important that I keep an eye on this.

As much as I've known Jonathan for a number of years as a Healthcare Professional he is exceptional at what he does along with all the staff at Marron's Pharmacy. I'm looking forward to working with Jonathan in tracking my progress and sharing the results with you also.

Some added help!

Since I'd written "Updating the signage" I followed up on an opportunity that arose via the Irish Parenting Bloggers Group which was for XLS-Medical Max Strength.  It was funny how well timed it was as myself and Jonathan had spoken about possibly using something like XLS-Medical to help me on my weight loss journey. If I'm honest, I would have been skeptical of using an aid like this in the past but on hearing the successes that Jonathan had spoken about of people he had worked with I became more open to the idea. The last few months have been crazy in the coup and my weight has not helped me to be my "Chirpy" self and to keep me motivated. So after some emails, phone calls and some hearing more success stories, I was delighted to be accepted to take part in a 12 week program with XLS Medical Max Strength.

Part of the criteria of being accepted was to have my GP's approval which I received last week. I love my GP as she is very thorough. I showed her the results I received from Jonathan and she is also going to do Full Bloods and go through the results hopefully next week. She believes that with losing at least a stone this should help in bringing down my blood pressure.

Not only will I have the support of Jonathan at Marrons Pharmacy and my own GP, XLS-Medical will have their dietitian, Jodie Relf working with me too, to help me keep on track! I was speaking with her on Thursday afternoon and and will be again on Monday which I'm looking forward to and the advice she has to offer.

Bring it on!

As we all know, life can get in the way of our goals and when we meet these bumps in the road we have a choice as to what we want to do - Do we want to stay on a bumpy road or choose the path that leads us to our goals? 
The next 12 weeks I know are not going to be easy. This week alone I've a Black Tie Dinner to attend and my birthday both of which I'd like to enjoy. The choice I can make though is to be sensible in how I enjoy myself! 
I know that XLS-Medical Max Strength will not do all of the work. I need to ensure I'm on top of things with my diet and exercise. I'm very lucky to have great support with XLS-Medical, Marron's Pharmacy and my GP. With this support and my motivation I know I WILL achieve my goals!

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Follow me on my Facebook Page here, Instagram here and Twitter here where I will share with you what I'm up to on a daily basis! 

You can learn more about XLS-Medical Max Strength on their webpage here. Follow them on Facbook here, 

You can follow Marrons Pharmacy here on Facebook and on Instagram here

Updating the signage!

http://www.responsiblebusiness.eu/download/attachments/983091/rebwp2-240511-1400-743.pdf

It's been quite a while since I've written a post let alone one that wasn't a review. Over the last few months things have been quite overwhelming for a variety of reasons and it's led me in different directions. Over the last few days I've been thinking about some things and realised it's time for me to update the road I'm taking so that I'm going in the direction I want to go. 

So what got me thinking I needed to get on the right path again? Well, as we all know life has a great knack of getting in the way and throwing us off course. Lately I've allowed myself stay off track for a couple reasons. One was that in ways I wasn't sure what I needed to do to get back on coarse and the second reason was sometimes its just easier to stay off the beaten track and walk through the woods hidden from it all. 

http://karskorg.deviantart.com/art/Dark-woods-427553131

Over the last few days I've been trying to figure out what will help me to move forward and and feel like I'm on the right road again. The one thing which stood out was me! I needed to start focusing on myself again.  

Last year I made changes in my life to become a fitter and healthier me and over the last few months I've undone all of my hard work. While I could beat myself up about it I know that's not the right thing to do. I could "force" myself too to go on a strict diet and just get out there again but this wouldn't be the right thing either. For me, what I need is time to focus, time to plan and time to action. 

It's funny while I stayed hidden away in myself I'd forgotten how much better I'd felt for feeling healthier and even slimmer. The last few weeks, I've found it tough to look at myself in a positive light and I suppose deep down I was upset I let myself get this way. By now I'd hoped to have been celebrating being nearer to having lost 3 stone instead I'm going to have to now work on getting myself nearer to 1 stone again. 

Over the last few days I've been working on mentally getting myself in the right place and from next week I'm going to begin by using the skills I've gained from the #BeTheBestYou plan and along with the assistance of my local pharmacy Marron's to start pointing myself in the right direction and get my chirpy self back! I'm going to make changes within my lifestyle to lose the weight (again!) and maintain this in the future. 

I know that this time around my journey is going to be tougher but I know too that while I'm doing this for me first, I'm doing it too for my family and also for the future I want for us. With working on #secretproject it's given me faith that I can succeed. Its put the fear of god in me too as it means I'm taking risks but then I remind myself as to why I'm doing it and the same answers come up - For me, my family and our future! 

It's not going to be easy but I know that the future is bright and I for one really want to try and give it my all. While there are still some things in life that I'm sure will get in the way I'm going to do my best to navigate around them and keep myself on track as best as I can. 

When my journey begins with Marron's I will be keeping you up to date as to how I'm getting on. I'd love to hear how you keep yourself on track? What are your top tips?