When life gives you lemons...

So as some as you many know, after my last post I went for an MRI on my spine as the pain I was experiencing was getting worse rather than better. My scan showed I have "stress" on my L4 & L5 joints and inflammation around my facet joints in that area. All in all, I've made a bit of a dogs dinner of my back! It turns out that because of my bad knees I have been standing and walking badly for years, and as a result I've been putting extra pressure on my lower back...thus leading to this mess I'm in! I've started a long term physio journey and will just have to get on with things for now. I'm learning that I just need to be patient!

As a result of me being unable to go for my much loved walks I have had to be much more careful about my food. I've also found I am having to make a real effort in making "yummy" food as my appetite isn't wonderful from the pain relief I'm on. I'm experimenting with food more and enjoying testing out new recipes. I am slowly learning that although exercise one of the elements that help on a weight loss journey, it is not the primary focus. I'm also learning that proper preparation really does prevent poor performance. By making sure I have lots of ww friendly treats in the press & fresh food in the fridge I'm much more likely to try and stay on track. 

In the last four weeks I have lost between 1-2 lbs a week which is the most consistent weight loss I have had since re-joining in May. I'm really starting to notice the difference in the way I look and now that I'm only 2lbs away from being down 5stone I am feeling fairly proud of myself. So even though life is handing me lemons at the moment, I am determined to make some pretty nice lemonade out of it. :)

I went to Killarney last weekend with my hubby, my great friend Sarah (who is also my weight watchers buddy) and her bf. As we headed off I was a little worried about how I would stay on track being away from home and having to eat out for every meal. It was the first time I was going away since re-joining and I was worried I would use it as an excuse to go off the rails a little. I was also worried that I wouldn't be able to have food that suited my Gluten Free diet. 

We were staying in an amazing old manor house and had booked in for B&B. From the scrummy gf french toast I had for breakfast each morning to the sea salt and peanut butter ice cream I had as a treat, everything I ate was tracked. I let my hair down...I had treats..I had pizza and I had sangria...but I made sure I accounted for everything and I didn't feel one bit guilty as a result. I was really amazed at how versatile the ww programme is, and being away proved that to me. Once you're prepared to write it down, you can keep an eye on things & ensure you don't go too mad. I came home feeling proud that I didn't go overboard and I even had 10 weeklies left. 

Life is for living, and weight watchers really is tailored to fit around life. I am starting to believe this is a long term, lifestyle change and the only thing standing in the way of my success is me! No more excuses, no more pity parties...I'm doing this! Who's with me?!