Weight Loss Journals - petecohen.tv

Thank you so much for your kind responses to my last blog. It's great to hear from you and so good for the soul.
I am getting my head round all the 'stuff' going on in my life and I'm feeling so much more positive. I know this is mainly through getting back on track with training as my neck and back are much improved. Monday was spin and stretching, Tuesday was a personal training session and stretching and today has been a great spin class with more stretching. Tonight sees a return to Zumba after more weeks than I care to remember. Thursday is rest day and Friday is another spin class with – yes you've guessed it more stretching. The physio has given me a whole programme of stretching exercises to do to help the facet joints in the lower right hand side of my spine that are affected by arthritis. About 13 years ago I had 3 prosthetic discs implanted in my spine and the relief from pain was amazing but there are restrictions in my movements. I have always taken the view there may be activities I can no longer do (like my beloved snow skiing) but there are always alternatives and I still do a huge amount of exercising within my capabilities – so no excuses!!!
If I can exercise I can manage life and what goes on in it so much better. My advice to anyone who is feeling low is to move somehow and anyhow even if its jigging about the house to some great music – you will feel better.
My focus over the next few weeks is to eat slowly – just one thing (the one that always slips when I'm stressed) and I know the rest of the tools will gently slip into place.
Alcohol has been cut down with none during the week and just weekends for some wine. Last week from Thursday onwards was a bit of a drink fest – a meal out, a dinner dance, a 25th wedding anniversary celebration and Hampton Court Flower Show on Sunday combined with such hot sunny weather seems to be an excuse to drink far too much. Needless to say I never feel 100% the next morning – something I must remember when I bounce out of bed after an alcohol free evening!!
I have enjoyed reading your blogs – they are always so inspirational and supportive.
Well the builders sound as if they are about to come through the ceiling any moment now so I'm off before they land on my desk.
Here's to a waistband that will feel as light as my mind.
Luv Elaine xxxx

It's been some time since I last blogged and, as always, I miss it and often think about you all.
Life is never easy but lately it has seemed like a nightmare, but as those of you who know me know I'm a bouncy sort of person so here I am bouncing back ... yet again!
To keep it brief (otherwise you may lose the will to live) this is what has been going on in my life over the last month.
Dad is still in Northampton hospital, step mother isn't communicating with me which makes things more difficult than they need to be. The 50 minute journey isn't easy but nothing in comparison to trying to park and actually get to the ward; it took me 35 minutes last time. However, Dad is getting better so that's good news.
My delinquent mother has pushed the care home to their limit and notice has been given to my step father. Consequently another home has to be found and Mum isn't cooperating.
I had a nasty stomach bug which wiped me out for a week.
Hubby 's had a hernia operation and although is getting loads better it does mean me doing any heavy 'stuff' – good job I'm a strong old bird.
We have discovered that there has been a long term underground leak in the sitting room – hence the damp smell that has been permeating the room and backing kitchen wall cupboards. Concrete floor has to dug up, plaster stripped, humidifiers installed and fingers crossed the kitchen cupboards aren't affected too much.
Builders are in - the bathroom is in the skip, the 3rd bedroom is in the 4th bedroom and the hall and landing is in the 2nd bedroom – but it will look great when finished in 3 weeks time!
Apart from feeling absolutely exhausted with all the chaos in my life I pulled my neck and shoulder muscles which meant I couldn't train for a while – one very unhappy lady!
We had a wonderful week away in Norfolk, with wonderful weather, sitting on wonderful beaches and just doing wonderful nothing. Unfortunately it seemed to make coming home to all the s**t in my life so difficult and I really took it hard.
To help me get back on an even keel I shall repeat the programme and start to blog again. I have slipped back into bad habits and have taken an intense dislike to my middle age spread that seems to have appeared. If there is another online course I will consider joining that. I've been back at the gym this week and already feeling much better.
I will watch Pete's Happiness podcast again as I found it really thought provoking as well as emotional. I am usually such a happy person it seemed to bring it all home to me how unhappy I was and seemingly unable to do much about it. I find this feeling of being out of control very upsetting.
Well another weekend is here and I hope it's truly a happy one as well as an exceptionally hot one! Although I gather some parts of the country are lucky enough to have some rain!!
Luv Elaine xxxx

Well it's been some time since I've blogged – must be 3 weeks?
Where to start ... I've been REALLY FED UP! There's seems no point beating about the bush – life has been difficult. I'm usually very good at picking myself up and getting on with life but this time it's been hard.
Undoubtedly the ongoing problems with my elderly Mother are affecting me deeply. She's 84, uncooperative, unpredictable, irrational, obsessive and at times nasty and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I'm very angry with her for making life so miserable, I thought I could cope but apparently not.
My love of exercise and energy for life normally sees me through but not this time. It hasn't helped that Dad (no longer married to Mum) fell and fractured his arm and now is in hospital with a bladder infection, a friend has been diagnosed with Lymphoma, another has kidney disease and so it goes on. I too have had a sickness bug that left me feeling washed out and low in energy which means I haven't been able to exercise which means I'm REALLY FED UP!
Hey ho time to move on and pick myself up. On the positive side I've drunk very little alcohol, my eating has remained healthy and this week I shall get back into some training. I've booked up a week in Norfolk – an apartment on the cliff overlooking the beach and can't wait to get away. Hubby's having a minor op in a weeks' time and then we're off on the 20th. Sun would be nice but I'm okay with dry.
The programme has been neglected so I think I may start again – I have a pesky 4 or 5 pounds I'm going to shift. Enough to make my jeans feel comfy and my training kit look a bit better.
Today I will do some abs and stretches, my yoga session and then out to lunch with a friend I haven't seen for months so lots of catching up to do. Later I shall visit Dad (over 2 hour return journey) and then home to practice dancing with hubby as we have not managed any for ages. Tomorrow I hope to do a spin class in the morning and if all is well Zumba in the evening. Thursday and Friday are training sessions with my PT and by then I expect to feel GREAT!!
I shall spend a few minutes catching up with your blogs – I have missed you all!
Take care and have a really, really good day.
Luv Elaine xxxx

Absolutely no training done after Monday morning's session (boo hoo) but have felt so out of salts I gave into the body and decided rest was just the best option. Hopefully this pesky, and very painful cold sore is now losing the battle and I am winning it.
I made a last minute decision to ask a girlfriend if she fancied escaping for the weekend. I had an ulterior motive in as much that I knew she could really do with a break. Bravely she's donating one of her kidneys to her hubby and the last 6 months or so have been very difficult for both of them.
Well I shall be off to Oxford this Friday morning to take in the sights, lots of culture and hopefully good food and wine. I have been to the city of spires before (probably seen most of it on Morse and Lewis) a few years ago but it was so cold I couldn't focus on the sights and could only think of hot chocolate and keeping warm. All being well the weather will be a lot warmer this time.
Today I had a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon who has referred me for physio to sort out the tightness in the right side of my spine. Unfortunately it's arthritis but by keeping it supple I'll avoid any major problems over the next decade or so.
Squirrels are doing their best to wreck our roof!! Despite the roofer spending 2 days working on and sealing up all gaps the little blighters have dug the cement and very hard setting foam out and proceeded to completely trash one of our en-suite spotlights. It sounds as if they might just fall through the ceiling at any time – not sure how to solve this one I just they wouldn't wear hobnail boots it's enough to drive anyone to food and drink!
Tonight I'm going to treat myself (whilst hubby's out) to watching lots of recorded stuff – mainly True Blood so I can lust over vampire Bill – yummy. I shall roast some courgettes and other leftover veggies for tonight's dins and do nothing else but relax.
I hope everyone is experiencing this lovely warm weather and enjoying their day.
Luv Elaine xxxx
PS Have just heard Ed Balls is standing for Labour leader – heaven save us from a future Prime Minister Balls!!!

Haven't blogged for a few days so I'm spending an hour or so catching up with all your news.
Friday was such a GOOD day felt great, trained really hard in the gym with the PT and had a very rewarding swimming training session. Surprised myself by completing the 1250m doing stretching, drills, moderate and hard lengths – gave myself a very big pat on the back in the steam room after.
The weekend was OK lots to do in the garden on Saturday and an hour of ballroom finished by a 60th BBQ which was fun. Oh but Sunday I felt really rough – couldn't even blame the booze because I had hardly drunk anything all week – 2 g & t's Friday evening (and very nice they were too). It wasn't long before a very nasty cold sore appeared so I gave up and sat on the settee in a heap for a couple of hours. Felt well enough to cut the lawn and then back to the settee to watch the 20 20 cricket – what a great win for England and what a pleasure watching such great sportsmen. Dedicated, fit, stong and so motivated to win.
Felt much better Monday morning and had another hard session with the PT at home. Decided not to swim in the afternoon due to grotty cold sore as well as rash under my right eye which is really aggravating me – my face resembles a war zone at the moment.
Today I still feel out of salts so having a 'doing' day. I've decided to focus on just eating slowly; really chewing my food to see if just focussing on one single aspect helps.
Take care one and all.
Luv Elaine xxxx

I don't know but these last few weeks seems to have been full of friends having health problems which makes me reflect on is this how it gets as you get older.
Just in the last month or so I have come across these problems...
Gall bladder removed, hernia, problems with joints making mobilising difficult, breast cancer (constant checkups), renal failure (close relation donating their kidney) and the saddest of all a death due to a brain tumour.
It just makes me more determined to look after myself as well as I can. I absolutely hate the thought of being one of those people who gets bags of prescriptions from the doctors – there must be a better way.
A couple of weeks ago I watched a TV programme about Alder Hay children's hospital and hundreds and thousands of pounds was being spent on illnesses that could so easily been prevented – they were inflicted on young children by their parents ignorance. But what really horrified me was the fact that this young generation will probably die before their parents due such problems as obesity, smoking and drinking.
But moving on to happier things! This week has been a good one for me with yesterdays spin class being very demanding and extremely rewarding (once finished that is), Zumba was, as always, a great laugh with our lovely bubbly instructor.
Today has been a day at home – we've had the roof repaired as most of Northamptonshire wildlife seems to have attempted or succeeded to move into our roof space over the last few years – including squirrels!
Friday brings a PT training session at the gym followed by swimming as well as the usual stretching and Yoga stuff.
I have managed to up my protein intake and I have to say feel fuller and more satisfied although it can be hard trying to make it to 140g a day. Also feeling better for not eating bread and rice and last night I made just the simplest but yummy sweet potato and spinach curry (without rice) – orgasmic! I am having pasta tonight but it's made out of chickpea flour so I know that will be fine.
Thanks to all your kind responses regarding the demon drink – all very encouraging and inspiration.
Have a happy day.
Luv Elaine xxxx

Today is my day in the house doing all things domestic (that's the theory anyway) but it's also Day 21 which has made me review how I've done.
The Good
These are well established good habits – drinking 2 litres of water daily, exercising loads, keeping positive, giving myself credit, eating for nutrition, thinking before I eat.
The Bad
Eating slowly, using the Hunger Scale (although I do ask myself if I really do want anything to eat), recognising the duck when it's banging on at me.
The Ugly
Alcohol – finding it hard to resist (mainly at weekends) and then not being thoughtful about what I eat or how much.
Therefore I am going to give this complete inability to refuse a drink when offered to me or being completely unable just to have one glass some serious thought. In the past I have not drunk a drop of booze for 3 weeks but somehow it always beckons to me. I'm not in the slightest bit bothered about cakes and biscuits or fizzy soft drinks – I wouldn't dream of drinking a Coke but shove a glass of vino or G & T under my nose and I'm away. I really don't want to stop drinking but it would be very nice to enjoy just one glass – instead of finishing the whole bottle (wine I'm talking about not gin AND I do share it with my partner in crime – Hubby). I enjoy a good wine but do tend to quaff it down my neck instead of savouring it.
I'm going to restart the programme again but focus on the tools I'm not using well enough and I will spend time going through the resource section.
Off to read your blogs now and catch up on all your news.
Hope you're all having a great day.
Luv Elaine xxxx

Well I don't know what happened last week but I was all over the shop!! My training routine has changed, Bank holiday Monday confused me and then going away Friday confused me even more. I am, however, pleased to report that I'm back on normal time with a new schedule and feeling tons better for it.
I won't bore you with why the training has changed but I now train with hubby Monday mornings (instead of Fridays) so today I was able to do an extra Zumba class and then have a swim which was great. Hopefully I'll sleep well tonight after a very restless night last night.
Managed to fall off my bike last Wednesday in fact if I'm really honest I fell off twice. I just couldn't get my cycling shoes out of the cleats quick enough. Luckily I still bounce reasonably well although had several bruises later. As I hardly ever bruise I was very proud of them but I felt a bit ropey the next day so only did some gentle Yoga breathing which seemed to help.
We spent the weekend in Southbourne (just outside Bournemouth) with my step daughter and despite the chilly, cloudy weather had a lovely time. Needless to say eat and drank too much but back on the straight and narrow today.
I have decided to get more protein into my diet. As a I don't eat meat getting enough protein can be a problem for me so have purchased some veggie protein to have a smoothie each day. I am also going to cut down on the carbs and see if this little eating plan helps to get rid of the middle aged spread that seems to have appeared of late.
I'm really enjoying my nutrition plan especially adding my herbs and spices to food – very yummy.
Take care everyone.
Luv Elaine xxxx

Another week has whizzed by I can hardly believe it.
I've spent all morning catching up on the programme, making notes in my diary and reading your blogs – it's nearly 11.30 now! However, I feel the time spent has been really worth it as I've made time to reflect and review my goals. I also came across something Pete had quoted ...
“First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits or they will conquer you”. Rob Gilbert
How true that is of many of us. I am determined to 'conquer' two of my habits – eating slowly and not nibbling food whilst cooking. I will focus on these nasty little demons for the next few days and see how I get on. Often they have happened before I realise and suddenly I've eaten half my meal before realising I haven't chewed my food properly. So here I am giving myself a good talking too as I will not allow my bad habits to conquer me – so there!
I have been out almost every night this week and I'm looking forward to the weekend and chilling out a little. Alice In Wonderland was brill, dancing was great, Zumba fantastic as always, spa day wonderfully relaxing and the theatre last night very entertaining. Tonight is the last of our classical concerts for the season which is always a lively evening. Thank goodness I've had my turn and held one round my house - it will be a pleasure to be fed and watered in another members house.
Training on Wednesday was very demanding – a whole hour on the Power Plate throwing and catching a 5k medicine ball whilst stepping on and off at the same time. A gym member came up and asked me what I was training for!!! My PT said the London Olympics – don't think so!
If you are a YouTube fan and haven't already seen the singing in Antwerp (Belgium) train station do watch it. They sing Do Ray Me from the Sound of Music– I guarantee it will bring a big smile to your face. Its similar to the Tmobile dancing in Liverpool Street Station and just wonderful to see people singing and dancing.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Luv Elaine xxxx

Today saw a great training session in the gym and strangely enough (a bit like the anchovy thing Mandy) after blogging about the Power Plate recently, my whole hour was spent working out on one. Hard work indeed ... but I loved it of course.
Having a quiet afternoon before Zumba at 6 pm – hurrah!
I have been following Pete's words of wisdom about not getting too comfortable with the tools I use. Its funny how just something he says (or indeed a blogger comments on) can hit home with you and make you spring into action. I believe I was getting too comfortable and really not making the necessary effort with eating slowly. As a consequent of this sudden blinding flash of the obvious I have been making a concerted effort. As well as eating slowly and making sure I have chewed every bit of food in my mouth I've been focussing on enjoying the food instead of fiddling with something else. It's not easy but it has been paying off as I get the message that I'm full quicker. The other night I even sat on my hands to stop them reaching for stuff on the kitchen table. My real challenge will be keeping it up until it becomes an ingrained habit.
Not sure if I'll make it tomorrow as it's the spa day cancelled from last week due to hubby's dodgy foot – soooooooooooo looking forward to that. Theatre in the evening therefore time will be an issue.
Off to read your blogs now - wishing you all a happy Wednesday.
Luv Elaine xxxx

Tuesday is my usual day in to 'do' all things domestic although the sunshine is pulling me very strongly to get out there and sit in the garden. I will definitely do my yoga out there this afternoon.
An ok girl here's the recipe as promised: -

KALE AND ANCHOVY PASTA
10 mins prep, cooking time about 15 mins. Serves 4
75g fresh breadcrumbs 300g small shaped pasta (twists are good)
150g kale shredded (I used more) 2tbsp olive oil 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped
100g anchovies, drained and chopped 25g grated parmesan cheese

1. Preheat grill to medium, then toast breadcrumbs and set aside
2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to packet instructions. Add the kale for the last 5 mins of cooking
3. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan and fry the chilli and anchovies for 3 – 4 mins
4. Drain the pasta and kale and return to the pan. Add the breadcrumbs, anchovy mixture, remaining olive oil and the parmesan. Toss together and serve.
Per serving 452 cals, 14g fat (3g saturated) 65g carbs
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did girls – let me know!

Yes I really enjoyed Alice – it was such fun and great entertainment. Thanks for your messages saying I would enjoy – you were right!
I haven't bothered too much with todays video as it's all about exercise and I am sooo motivated and do loads I don't think I can fit anymore in – much as I would love to.
Will read your blogs now and then a spot of lunch and perhaps sit in the sunshine with a cup of green tea.
Have a great day everyone and make the most of this sunshine.
Luv Elaine xxxx

I haven't had time to blog over the weekend as I've had a houseful of visitors, which has been absolutely great but now I can get back to 'normal' whatever that is.
As promised I am about to feedback on my pasta, kale and anchovy meal so for those of you who do not wish to know please look away now.
It was LOVELY! Hubby said it was one of the nicest meals he'd had - how good is that. It was tasty, didn't take long to prepare or cook and had lots of healthy kale in (not to mention anchovies) and it was really yummy or as Pete would say “it was an orgasmic experience”. If anyone would like the recipe please let me know and I'll include it in my next blog.
With regard to the eating slowly I still have to work harder on that. If I lose concentration I suddenly find I'm eating too quickly and I find it so hard to not do something whilst eating. So this week this is going to be my main focus. Chew my food, put the knife and fork down and focus on having an orgasmic experience!
My spin class was great fun today. Our instructor is off to USA for a couple of years so we had lots of New York and America type songs to spin to and the class even sung along – which is not easy.
Hopefully Hubby's poorly foot is OK for tomorrows dance lesson as we have an hour of the light fantastic which can be very demanding. He hasn't been a happy bunny as it's been so painful he hasn't been able to play golf, badminton or work in the garden.
Off to see Alice In Wonderland soon with a friend and I'm looking forward to sitting down for a couple of hours after a busy weekend.
Have a great day everyone, will now go and read your blogs.
Be happy.
Luv Elaine xxxx

Well ladies I can't believe these inflammatory comments that have been made about the poor little innocent anchovy – what are you thinking of!!
I agree that if you do not like strong flavours then probably the little anchovy is not for you but (with the exception of Aysha) the brown tin ones are not the best to eat whole. However, many chefs use them for flavour. Jamie and Delia are fans of pounding them down with garlic and chilli to add to dishes as they completely disintegrate and your just get a lovely subtle flavour. If you feel like treating yourself to some top quality little critters then you will notice they are almost white and actually do look like mini fishes – they are still strong but on fresh bread with olive oil – heaven!
Please do not misunderstand me I do not want you to rush out and buy anchovies and then start throwing up all over the UK – I just felt I had to stand up for the poor little anchovy.
Day 9 has been all about RELAXING – not my strong point but one that I have been focussing on for the last few months. My ever observant PT has noticed the amount of tension I use when training often results in my hurting myself. He even stood outside a spin class and took a photo of me with shoulders hunched to prove a point – very scary. I am therefore working on loosening up, relaxing my neck and shoulders and breathing effectively. I think I've had so many operations and pain related injuries the old brain goes into overdrive to protect me from further pain hence the tension.
My Yoga teacher has also been working hard on getting me to extend the out breath as my in breath is strong but I need to make sure I breathe out effectively. Some of you old timers may remember I had the nasty experience of anaphylactic shock last August which left me with breathing problems. With the help of Yoga this is much improved and only during really heavy aerobic exercise to I get wheezy now.
Yesterday went completely pear shaped – bloke coming to service the gas fire was so late I could have happily murdered him (he was smelly too). Hubby's foot became so painful that he could hardly walk so poor old boy wasn't happy. However, he was happy enough to take me out for a meal in the evening (I am therefore unable to report back on the Kale, anchovy and pasta dish as yet) and we had a great meal where I made healthy choices, had only one course and even more amazingly only one glass of vino.
Despite all these setbacks it was a lovely sunny day and I did my Yoga out in the garden – wonderful!
So today its plan B – I'm going to the gym for a PT session as Hubby can't join in due to dodgy foot, I WILL get my swim in and I will do the shopping.
Fingers, eyes and legs crossed that today will happen for me.
Take care; loving your blogs and Pete is home safe and sound – hurrah!!
Have a happy sunny day.
Luv Elaine xxxx

I was really looking forward to today as hubby and I had a half day spa at the health club. All the usual things swim, steam, Jacuzzi, massage and leisurely lunch. That was the plan until a visit yesterday to the chiropodist resulted in her gouging a great hole out of hubby's foot! Obviously the last thing he can do is have a spa treat. Never mind onwards and upwards - its been rebooked for next Thursday which will probably be better as it will take most of the day AND we have tickets for the local theatre in the evening.
Great day yesterday ... managed to focus on eating slowly (used the mantra which really helped), hard training session with PT in the morning (good job I love my PT 'cos he pushes his luck sometimes). I didn't get time to swim due to physio session that really HURT me. Ached for about an hour after and was worried I would miss Zumba but no, after a cuppa and rest I was fine and went off Zumbaring like a mad thing!
Need to rethink today but will probably do the usual Yoga and physio stretches. I have to admit even though they are drain on time I am feeling the benefit and along with the orthotic he put in my trainer yesterday I hope to make real progress now. If time a swim would be great.
Unfortunately I have no excuse not to do the shopping now so I will spend time this morning planning food and meals according to my nutrition plan. Tonight I'm going to try a Kale, anchovy and pasta dish – this will get dark green veg into my food and I know the anchovies disappear and just add flavour so will report back the verdict tomorrow.
Once again the weather is fantastic – can't help smiling when the sun is shining.
Have a great day one and all and keep smiling.
Luv Elaine xxxx

Thank you for all your comments on my blog they really are appreciated.
In a big rush so will keep this short. I'm not one for getting up early as being retired I have no reason to but I hope you're impressed that not only am I up but have had breakfast packed my sports bag and have listened to Day 7 – it would have even earlier but I got involved with buying something on the internet.
Well my mantra seems to be helping with eating slower. If I start to speed up then I repeat “I can and will do this” and I put the knife and fork down and
S L O W down too. Therefore I shall keep doing this and keep you posted if it helps.
Yesterday was a good day with healthy food, eating slowly and being productive as well as positive. Not all went well as the lawn mower broke down as I was whizzing up and down the grass – a big bit fell off the bottom and jammed the back wheels. The lawn looks weird with bits cut and the rest long. I was so enjoying myself too, the sun was shining and I had my iPod on singing away to Fred Astaire and a few other golden oldies. After giving the mower a few hefty kicks put it away and came indoors to do some oh so boring ironing – at least it was another item off the tick list.
Today I have a personal training session at the gym as well as all the usual physio stretches. If I have time I will do a short swim. I'm seeing the physio at 3 pm when he's going to give me an orthotic for my left shoe to see if it helps balance out the right longer leg. Hopefully this well help and I can sort out the imbalance in my spine.
It will be back home for a while (when I hope to catch up on your blogs) and then back into Peterborough for ZUMBA! This session gives me the chance just to dance, move, and laugh and generally act like a kid for a whole hour – hurrah for zumba!
Hope you all enjoy the sunshine and have a positive happy day.
Luv Elaine xxxx