Looking Back

I had quite a tough day at work today, getting used to teaching a new year group, and trying to get (some) of my class to knuckle down to some work. I had to get quite tough with one or two of them, (which I really hate doing, as they are sweeties really!) So I kept them in at playtime, which was a real shock, I don’t think they thought I’d really do it! By the end of the day (desperate for the loo, and no-one to call on to relieve me!) I had really had enough. I was thinking as I went home, that formerly I would have bought chocolate or sweets at the garage on my way home. I wasn’t tempted at all though, as it comes naturally (most of the time!) to ‘tune in’, and think about what I really want, and what would comfort me. I just decided that I wanted a drink, (nice cup of tea when I got home), a tasty dinner ( salmon stir fry made by o/h) and a relaxing evening with no school work! Well I got the first two, but the last is unlikely! It is reassuring to look back on what I used to be like, and think how far I have come down this road. And it’s Friday tomorrow!

GRrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Isn't it always the way, when you feel things are going smoothly, things start to go wrong?

I was beginning to think I had settled back into my routine, when I think I took my eye off the ball! It was the weekend, and I had a couple of meals out, which was fine. Then I was on my own on Sunday doing my weeks planning (which took over 3 and a half hours; and that wasn't all of it!) when I couldn't stop eating a loaf of white bread which I had bought that day before. Then today at work I started eating digestive biscuits which were on the staffroom table. I had just had my lunch, I wasn't hungry, and I ended up with horrendous indigestion!

I think, I was so complacent becaus things were going so well, that I just forgot to tune in and ask myself what it was that I really wanted. A lot of the time, its just a bit of space, or a bit of time to myself. That eating is just a way of prolonging something pleasurable. I forgot to pause and ask myself if I was really hungry.

Oh well, back to the drawing board!

Back to Earth...

... with a bump!

And back to work. I spent most of last week getting my clasroom ready, and we were back with 2 Inset days, and then the children were in for the first time today. The 2 Inset days (In Service Educational Training) were exhausting, and it was nice to have the children in for a rest! Eating wise I am back into my IE routine, and its been very easy, and quite a relief to get back to it properly. I am nearer to the staff room this year, and this makes it easier at break times, also I can eat my breakfast just before the children come in, if I want to.

My digestion seems to have settled down too, which is a bonus. One of our members of staff has just succesfully lost over 4 stone using a system of meal replacements. She looks an awful lot better for it, and as she is not a 'serial dieter' like I am, it should work o.k. for her. I did catch myself thinking 'Hmmm, could I do that? But I know I couldn't, and the thought was only there for a moment. I would much rather try to conquer my dieting and weight demons the kind 'Beyond Chocolate' way!

Two weeks in Heaven!

And I mean that! I have had two lovely weeks on holiday with my daughter in Ibiza. It's our yearly time together on our 'girly holiday'. The days we spent either by the pool (me) or in the pool (her). Or we would take an outing, or a boat trip, or walk to the splendid Hippy Market in our resort (shopping heaven!) Evenings we watched the hotel's excellent entertainment, or walked around Ibiza town.

The first week I think I was pretty strict with myself, and kept to the principles quite well. I knew I wasn't doing so well the second week when I developed horrendous heartburn (always a sign that I am overdoing it) The food (a very varied buffet) was good in that you can choose what you want to eat, but I just think 3 meals a day was too much for me. I haven't yet been able to sit and eat nothing at a meal when others are eating, and I couldn't skip meals because of my daughter.

But I'm not going to beat myself up, I had a great time, and I don't think too much damage has been done. I have pretty much returned to my normal eating routine now I an home.

I'll miss all that lovely fruit though, especially the melon! It never tastes quite as good at home!

blogging from holidays

well this is a new experience. i am blogging from a hotel in ibiza, and the money for the terminal is running out. its pretty hard to do ie on holiday, but i am trying hard not to overeat, and am sticking to fruit in stead of puddings. the alchohol is hard to resist too.

sorry for the awful punctuation.

Holidays!

I am going on holiday next Saturday to Ibiza with my daughter. I am really looking forward to spending some time with her, as she doesn't live at home any more. We are staying in a lovely hotel, and will be eating in the restaurant every evening. We have stayed in this type of hotel before, and the evening buffet suits us very well, as you can see what you are getting. It should be fine with IE, as I can eat until I am satisfied, and then stop. They usually have a fabulous selection of fresh fruit too, at all the meals, which is great.

I have lots of books to read, and will also swim a lot and join in with the daily aqua aerobics. We will do some sightseeing and shopping too.

Plus, I will get a break from young children, as this hotel is over 16s only!

See you soon!

Butler's Wharf.

I had such a fun time at my friends 30th birthday drink. I met 2 other friends from work, and we went to this bar/restaurant on the Thames.http://www.browns-restaurants.com/menu-butlerswharf.php I knew I had to have only enough to drink so I would enjoy myself and be safe on the way home, and this I managed to do fine. So what is different between having this ability, and the abilty to eat enough, but not overeat? Well, not much really.
I suppose it's tuning in, and listening to one's body, just the same really.
The inability to do this would indicate a possible problem with alchohol I presume, whereas the inability to control ones food intake is not regarded in a similar light, but can end up being just as serious I think. I've often looked at extremely overweight people, and thought that it's so sad that their struggles with food are so visible. It's such a pity.

So for me, IE has become my new concience, where eating is concerned. It has replaced (pretty much) my obsession with calories and fat content. But I do think about it every day, and measure my day's 'sucess', or otherwise, on how I have dealt with the principles.

I've just had my second week off, and it's lovely, especially as the weather is much better.

1 week to go, and then I am off on holiday to Ibiza for 2 weeks with my daughter. Can't wait!