Overcoming the weight loss plateau

It’s the end of week 6 of my "healthy eating and activity programme". (Yes, I know, unconvincing euphemisms for diet and exercise – they didn’t fool me either).

I’ve hit a slump, big time. I actually put some weight back on this week. Shame!

Why?
I think I got cocky because it seemed to be going so well, and relatively easily. Despite the odd ‘cheat’ (choccie bics, Indian takeout, day(s) off from exercise) I had consistently lost weight. Not so lucky this week.

I'm only half way through the 12 week programme so I can still save this situation and get back on track. In fact, I have a cunning plan.

Most effective exercise for weight loss
A clip I saw on “What’s Good for You” described a ‘key formula’ for weight loss using an exercycle.

Basically I’m going to trial an intense 20 minute ‘Spin Class’ on my exercycle, three plus times a week. I hope it survives the shock!

The magic numbers you need to know are:

• pedal 8 seconds flat out
• followed by 12 seconds recovery
• repeat for 20 minutes (ie 60 times).

Apparently doing this 3 times a week is 3 times better for weight loss than doing 40 mins at moderate intensity 3 times a week. And that's without any dieting.

The story is on line here:
http://health.ninemsn.com.au/whatsgoodforyou/theshow/694660/a-weight-loss-revolution

I tried it first yesterday and found it hard work but doable. It sounds simple enough but I struggled to keep track of the seconds and there was no hope of reading or watching TV like I normally do while pedalling.

Online work out timer
This morning I found an online workout timer and used that. Much simpler for a numberphobe like me.

You just set when you want the alarms to go off and then listen for them as you pedal. I had one sound for starting the 8 second sprint and a different one for starting the 12 second slow pedal. There's nice wee feel good audio surprise when you finish your work out too.

You can try it online here:
http://www.beach-fitness.com/tabata/

In a day or two I’ll try the downloaded version and let you know how that goes.

Successful Weightloss

I lost 4kg in 5 weeks following the Aspire for Life healthy eating programme.

This is an online programme that grew out of studies done by Plant and Food Research and Otago University.

My Story
It's been around 15 years since I've was a healthy size 12. I've been yoyo-ing between sizes 18-22 for the last few years. (These are New Zealand sizes.)

My immediate (12 week goal) is to get down to 100kg before I return to work at the end of April.

My long term goal is to repeat the 12 week process until I get down to a healthy weight - less than 79kg according to the BMI chart.

I've a long way to go before but isn't that a start to be proud of?

How it works

• It's an on line thing. You have access to a dietitian and coach and other support like forums, recipes, progress reviews etc.
• The eating plan is based on a personalised food pyramid so you monitor the number of portions of each food group you eat - no counting of calories or points.
• You cook your own meals - no need to buy anything special. They suggest recipes.
• Portion sizes are easy to remember, eg 'a computer mouse sized potato' and a 'matchbox sized piece of cheese' equal 1 portion of grain and dairy respectively.
• Once you've eaten all the portions of what you should for healthy nutrition, you don't have any room for the junk food.

Find out more
Visit the Aspire for Life website

Free Trial
If you want to give it a go you can sign up for a weeks free trial.

Discount Coupon
If you decide you want to do the 12 week programme let me know - I have a coupon code that will get you a NZ$25 discount. That drops the price down to $154 or a little under $13 per week.

I think this compares well to other more gimmicky programmes out there!

Baby Front Pack

I was sold before I entered the shop. My parenting 'bible' extolled the virtues of a baby carrier - it would free up both my hands and my time.

The box, of the brand my husband chose, depicted all the things I'd soon be able to do - I couldn't wait!

Once home we read the instructions and figured out how to wear it. Good for us!

Over the next few days I put baby in it for a few minutes at a time until she seemed happy and comfortable. Good for her!

Then it was time to get on with the chores. Hmm... Should I do some laundry or get dinner started?

Neither as it turns out.

It is very hard to load/unload a front loading washing machine in a small laundry with a baby strapped to your chest. And I wouldn't recommend hanging out the washing unless your baby enjoys being slapped in the face by a wet towel. As it turned out mine doesn't.

As for cooking, you better get everything out of the fridge before you grab bubs unless she enjoys the blast of chill air when you open the door. And beware the steam facial baby could receive when you take the lid of a pot or open the oven.

Something more sedentary perhaps?

Try typing with a baby where your keyboard normally is. Sure you can move the keyboard but you'd better be a touch typist because you won't be able to see it.

Have a cup of coffee or use the phone? Nope, not a good idea. The top of baby's head is only inches from your mouth and she will be grabbing and/or knocking everything that comes within reach.

Why I'm still glad I have a front pack
I'm glad to say we didn't totally waste our money. A baby carrier (or sling) is great for crowded or busy places like fairs or exhibitions. It's much easier to move about, and annoys fewer people, than a bulky stroller in cramped surroundings.

It is also ideal for public transport especially boarding and disembarking from a plane or taking the bus. I must confess I take baby on the train in her stroller. I just take care to travel outside of peak times and make sure I'm get in a car that has been adapted for wheelchairs so I can flip the seat up and park baby in that space. The train guards are always super helpful - giving a hand to lift the stroller on and off the train.

Flying with baby
Getting back to planes and flying, if you want to know the ins and outs of flying with baby check out what Air New Zealand have to say:

• Air NZ's Infant Policy
• Infant's Baggage Allowance

I found this information as helpful as it was hard to find.

If you are flying as a family self check in together so all your baggage allowances are processed together.

You'll probably have to put the stroller through as oversize luggage (ie in a bag provided by the Air NZ) - this is when a baby carrier comes into its own.