The Fast Diet - 2 weeks in

I've now done 2 full weeks on the 5:2 Fast Diet so thought I'd update with my progress so far.   The second week of fasting was much easier than the first week.  I didn't get any headaches or sleep problems.   Keeping busy on your fast day really helps.  The worst part is my "chill out" time of an evening, when I would usual have some dark chocolate or graze on a Graze box whilst watching the tele.   I have to be really strict with myself to not nibble, and try to go to bed without calming my tummy rumbles.   On Weds night I failed and ate 2 rice crackers at 8 calories each! before retiring.

As I don't own any bathroom scales I use the scales in Boots the Chemist, so am obviously fully clothed when weighing in - I don't want to get arrested for public nudity just to get an accurate weight reading!!! Anyway, if I always wear similar clothes when I weigh in, it makes no difference really and any loss will show up the same way.   However I wore different footwear this time and it recorded my height as been 2 inches taller than I am!   Therefore the BMI calculation is wrong.    Also, could those shoes have been heavier than the ones I wore before??? This has been bothering me, so now my own bathroom scales are on order.

SO, the weigh in showed I am now 9st 9lb!!  A loss of one teeny weeny little 1lb.  I had expected more over the 2 weeks.   Maybe my "time of the month" this week has had an impact?   Maybe the scales are dodgy?!  They were in a different branch of Boots to my previous weigh in.   Oh well, its better than nothing.   Let's hope it will be more next week.   I'm pleased to say that the measurement around my middle has dropped 1 inch! Yay! A good start. Incidentally I call this my "waist measurement" but actually I measured around the part of my tummy that sticks out the most! about half an inch under my belly button. The Fast Diet book tells you to measure around your belly button, but I went for the part that sticks out the most as that's the bit I need to reduce the most.

When my fancy new scales arrive I will be able to way myself sans clothing, first thing in the morning, which will then reveal the true Me.  Whatever they say, I am still going to stick by this diet for a while as I really need to cut down on the weight I'm carrying around my middle.  I'm aiming for being under 9 stone and staying there.   

Also this week as part of my fitness regime I have done 1hr 30 mins of yoga, jogged over 12k (2 separate outings) and done a 30 min Kettlebell workout.

So I'm feeling pretty good and just need to keep up the momentum.  I went out to jog on Sunday with the aim of seeing how far I could go, but going back to interval training to help me increase my distance.   I managed to cover 8.75k by jogging for 20, running for 5 then taking it down to a walk for 5 mins.  I even RAN (not jog) up a hill!! it really helps if you listen to the theme tune from Rocky (Gonna Fly Now) when you do this!

The F word

.... now I've got your attention, it's not a rude word at all, at least not in my book, but I'm going to talk about FASTING - to be precise, the latest "craze" in weight loss which is Intermittent Fasting aka the 5:2 diet or The Fast Diet.

Now although I've always felt blessed with a size 12 figure, at only 5ft 2", currently weighing in a 9st 10lbs, I am on the heavy side for a short arse and I carry most of my excess weight around my middle.   I'm well aware of how unhealthy this is, plus I could be carrying who knows how much fat on the INSIDE of my body, I figure it's time to get myself sorted.   My BMI is 23.8 (according to the scales at Boots) which is acceptable but could definitely be lower and therefore healthier.   I've even got the tape measure out and horror of horrors, my waist measures 38 inches!!!!   I am being brave and sharing this with you all in the interests of research and transparency, to see if this diet actually works.  I hope to be reporting losses as the weeks go by.  I hereby pledge to stick with it for 12 weeks and see how it goes.   Can I live with it?   Does it actually work?

It is called a diet but I do prefer to think of it as a STRATEGY.   The basics are that on 5 days a week you eat normally and on 2 non-consecutive days you Fast, consuming just 500 calories if you are a women and 600 calories if you are a man.  I'm currently reading The Fast Diet book and it is very persuasive stuff, claiming health benefits that include:

• weight loss of 1-2lb a week,
• improvements in blood pressure,
• improvements in cholesterol levels,
• reduced risk of age related disease, such as cancer,
• reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and dementia,
• a greater sense of wellbeing and happiness!

On the cancer subject, the book refers to research undertaken at the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre in Manchester where a study of women showed that those on a 2 day diet lost twice as much weight as those on a full-time diet - interrrrrrresting!

So taking all the above into account, myself and the Hubster have started on The Fast Diet.  The beauty of it is, that you choose whichever 2 days fit in with your coming week the best.  You don't have to stick to the same 2 days.  So this week I have fasted on Tuesday and today (Friday). I must be honest, that Friday is not a great day to only allow yourself 500 calories, but as yesterday my mum was round for dinner plus I had a hospital appointment (just a check-up), I felt today would fit better.   So, yes I have felt deprived of my usual Friday glass of wine, but tomorrow is another day and I can have one or 2 if I like, then!

Today I have eaten:

Breakfast - 2 boiled eggs and 4 asparagus spears (to dip)

No lunch

Dinner - one lightly dusted Cod Fillet with 3 Broccoli florets and about 50g of steamed spinach

Drinks - MANY!!! lots of herbal tea or water (hot and cold) - my downfall here is that I can't bear herbal tea unsweetened - I tried today and it was grim!! So I use a sweetener called Agave Nectar which is similar to runny honey but has lower calories and a lower GI.  However if I have that every time I have a drink, the calories soon rack up.

Snacks - 1 satsuma

The above totals 525 calories - it is quite tricky to keep it at 500, however practice makes perfect. On Tuesday (my 1st fast day) I had 562 but that was because I really couldn't sleep and got up to eat a chocolate covered rice cake!!  I'm hoping tonight I will do better on the sleep front.

Today has been quite tough if I'm honest.  I have been home all day pretty much, other than the school runs.    I have kept myself busy with household chores etc, but I think next time I fast I'll make sure I get out and about more.  This is early days though right - the book promises that after a few weeks you get used to it and the feeling of hunger barely registers.   So I've got to stick with it.   Nothing worth doing is ever easy.   And tomorrow is another day - one in which I can eat whatever I like AND have some vino.     I should point out though, I'm not a fan of junk/fast food.   We have very occasional take aways and the closest we get to junk food is a pizza from the freezer once every couple of weeks.  So, when I say I can eat whatever I like, I won't be going on a junk food bender and stuffing my face silly on unhealthy food.   Cos that would obviously undo all today's hard work.  

Have you given this diet a go? I would love to hear from you with your experiences and any tips.

A SIGH OF RELIEF.....

Well, after a very long wait, getting on for 3 months, I finally received a phone call last week about my blood test results.    The good news is.... drum roll please.......THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY GENES!!!!

Whoop Whoop!!!  I am so very relieved.  This has been a very heavy weight on my shoulders, more so as the weeks dragged by and I was left waiting way too long to hear the results.  They had to do run the tests twice, because a part of it wasn't working properly, I have no idea why, but the most important thing is, being told there are no problems with my BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.  
So fantastic news! as now with no impending operations or further treatment, I can finally get on with the rest of my life.     And on that note, I've already found our forever friend - a black Labrador puppy, whom we shall be bringing home to join us in early October!

So please visit again for more puppy news and photos.   Plus my 2 other "projects" - training for a 10k run (yikes) which is happening in Brighton on 17th November and going on "The Fast Diet" because I need to lose to my fat tummy and am bowled over by the other health benefits this way of life offers - if you haven't read the book, you really should.

The kids are back to school on Thursday, so I will have more time for all the above, and blogging, of course.  Bye for now. X

Still waiting...

it's been quite a while now since my blood test, and I'm still waiting for the results phone call, but been assured that I will hear by the end of this week.    So although I try not to think about it, I'll be making an effort to keep the ringer on my mobile ON (I often have it on silent),  and I can't really help but imagine, how I will react when I get the news.   I think it's important to prepare myself for the worst.   All my friends and family have done a great job of being positive, saying "you'll be fine" and try not to think about it.  Which I appreciate, but I kind of HAVE to think about it, in the worst terms, so that I don't completely freak out if I get bad news.   I will need to keep a lid on my emotions as the children will be with me and they haven't a clue any of this is going on.

And of course, if you have kids you will know what I mean, when you try to have a private phone call, that is the precise time that they need your attention urgently and they won't stop bugging you until they've got it!  I have been known to lock myself in the bathroom before now, in an attempt to get some privacy whilst on the phone.   

So, anyway, my way of dealing with this dodgy week ahead and avoid the waiting game - like I haven't waited long enough - is to fill my week AND my house, with children!  Other people's, not just my own.    Having just typed this fact, I realise now that it was probably a very stupid idea.    Oh well, tomorrow I'm looking after 3 more kiddliwinks for a friend, so she can have some valuable quiet time to pack for their holidays.  So I could well be hiding in the bathroom from 5 kids whilst on that very important phone call, instead of 2.   The phone call will need to be brief and to the point then.

Another distraction technique, which I have much enjoyed today, is spending money!  This morning I was rather spontaneous and just booked myself and the hubster into a London hotel for our wedding anniversary at the end of the month!   I woke up and thought, why not - a treat is needed for us both.  So I just went and booked it.  None of this dithering over it for days or weeks like I normally would.  Job done.  Something to look forward to - it always helps!

Right, that's all for now - watch this space for some GOOD news folks! xx

To test or not to test.....

...that was the question.

I am talking about Genetic Testing for "mutations" in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.   Its been in the press a fair bit recently, not least because Angelina Jolie opted for a prophylactic (risk-reducing) mastectomy because she tested positive for the gene defect and had a family history of both breast and ovarian cancer.

So I have been fortunate enough to be offered Genetic Testing.  I do not feel fortunate however.   Deciding whether or not to have the test has been a difficult decision to make.  Knowing what ramifications it will have on me and my family if a faulty gene is found.   Some people would choose to stick their head in the sand, they'd rather not know, but having been through what I already have, how can I?  I am a Mother and no less, a Wife.   I have a responsibility to my family, to do what I can to ensure a long, healthy life.   The cancer I was diagnosed with last year was TRIPLE NEGATIVE breast cancer. This is the only reason I have been offered the Genetic Test as there is quite a strong link between triple negative breast cancer in women of my age and a fault with the BRCA1 gene.   

Before my blood test was taken I had a counselling session with a Genetic Counsellor.  She explained what would happen if the test found an alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.   Every case is different, but for me, having already had breast cancer, if an alteration is found I may have up to a 50% risk of developing it again in the future and a 45% risk of developing ovarian cancer.    Looking at my family history, my immediate female relations have thankfully all been clear of cancer, but my grandmother's 3 sisters all suffered with breast cancer and one had ovarian cancer as well.   So my dear Granny could have been a carrier of the gene mutation, but miraculously escaped its effect and died of nothing more sinister than old age.

I must say I'm finding it difficult to write this post.  I have revisited it a number of times and it has been over a month since my appointment with the Genetic Counsellor.    There are so many mixed feelings running through my head, it's difficult to put it all down.   The reality is this - I've had the blood test and I have to wait for 8-9 weeks for the results.   Most of this waiting period has already passed by now, and I'm hoping for the results phone call during the first or second week of August.

If the blood test shows that a gene alteration has been found, I then have to consider my options.   I will be offered an increased level of breast screening including a yearly MRI scan, but I may also have the option of a prophylactic mastectomy and/or oophorectomy (having my ovaries removed).   Right now I'm of the opinion that although it terrifies me, I will have whatever surgery is offered to reduce my risk.  Otherwise what is the point of having the knowledge.   Knowledge is power.   I can take charge of my life rather than sit and wait and dread that cancer may come knocking again.

BUT fingers crossed, no faulty gene will be found and I can get on with my life!!

If you were wondering, I do have plans to get a puppy but this blood test has definitely been a large spanner in the works!    Once I am sure that the future is bright, a puppy dog will most definitely be joining our family.   So, watch this space.... 

Race for Life 2013

It was an emotional and fulfilling day today.   I took part in my local Race for Life, and ran 5k/3 miles to raise money for Cancer Research UK.    I did the Race for Life last year, half way through my chemo treatment.   I walked round the course, supported by my wonderful friends and it took me about 1 hour.   Today I ran it!  The whole thing.   It took me 38 mins.   You can read about last year's race here.   Cancer has changed my life in so many ways, for the better.    I am now fitter than I have ever been before, I have never been “a runner”, always shying away from it saying I hated that gasping for breath, burning in your lungs feeling.   But since January I have been in training.   Last year’s Race for Life and my Chemo Consultant telling me to exercise more, was all the incentive I needed to put my running shoes on and get out there.   With the help of this really useful App, C25K, I have slowly built up my ability to run and now I’m doing it!  Without the gasping for breath, burning feeling in my lungs!!!

That's me no 498, with my fab friend and training buddy Mrs M.

My daughter also took part in the Race today.  She is 6 and she walked the route with her best buddies and their mums.   I am so proud of her.  The sad thing is though, I think she understands what’s going on with cancer – I mean that it’s a nasty illness that can take peoples lives.   I never really wanted her to know that, but with all the publicity for Race for Life and Macmillan on the radio and seeing all the messages on peoples backs today, she’s a bright girlie, I think she gets it.   I just hope she won’t start living in fear, like I am – at times.  

I've found that since I started training to run, I've inspired others to do so too.   A close friend of mine, who was "allergic" to exercise now runs with me once or twice a week, my sister-in-law who works full time and has 2 young children AND a teenager to look after, has found time to train and has been running at 6 a.m before work a couple of times a week.  I LOVE that me having had cancer has had this knock on effect, more people I know are taking their health more seriously and putting their fitness higher up the list.

Watching all those groups of women, mothers and daughters, friends, of all ages crossing the finish line today was such an emotional and powerful experience.  It brings it home to me, that my fight is there fight.  I’m not in it alone.   1 in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer in their life time.  I really hope the work that Cancer Research are doing can improve those odds.

I was very proud of my family today, my two gorgeous Sisters-in-Law who ran the route too, my daughter and our boys/men for being their to support us.

To all my Team – Fab n Fighting Fit, you are all amazing and I really appreciate you joining me and the other thousands of pink t-shirts today.  I’m proud of myself for what I did today and so should you be!

Half of Team Fab n Fighting Fit - having trouble getting hold of pic of full team, but will post when I do!

Hula Hula Holiday

Hello dear Readers, I must apologise again for my lack of blogging in recent times.   I guess I have just been too busy living!  But I thought I would let you know what I’ve been up to and this may be of particular interest to anyone who is just going through or been through cancer treatment and feels like booking a much needed and deserved vacation/holiday.

My family and I have not long returned for a fabulous 2 weeks away in Orlando!! We went with some good friends, a whole family and stayed in a villa with its own pool, so there was plenty of room for us all and it was a much needed refuge from the craziness of the theme parks we frequented for most of our trip.

Now if you’ve had cancer treatment you will know that there is lots of talk out there about how hard it is, yet how very important it is, to get decent travel insurance before you go anywhere.   I have heard scare stories of it costing more than £300 to get cover, particularly when travelling to America.   However in my experience, it really isn’t like that.    I’ve had 2 trips abroad since finishing my treatment, once to Majorca and then this one - for both trips I found cover that was affordable and included all my ‘pre-existing medical conditions’.     The insurance for Orlando cost us £172 for 2 weeks for a family of 4.    It’s a fair amount I know, but certainly not an astronomical cost that would prevent us from going.    So if you are in a similar position to myself, please check out Medici Travel when looking around for quotes.

Another thing to consider if you are going on holiday and have had radiotherapy is you must keep your treated skin out of the sun.   I was told numerous times by various doctors and nurses that I must take extra precautions in the sun for at least the next 5 years, as the skin is very sensitive and liable to burn easily.    I take this very seriously as we all know what sunburned skin can turn into at any point later on – skin cancer.    I knew that we’d be out in the sun a lot on holiday, and probably in our swimming costumes a fair bit enjoying the villa pool or water parks, so I had to be prepared.    I decided to get a Rash Vest, it’s basically a t-shirt made from swimming costume fabric which has a high SPF factor, usually 30 or 50.   Now, trying to buy one that fits was rather challenging.   I started with the old faithful, Amazon.com, ordered my regular size, but when it arrived I could barely get it over my head and when I eventually did squeeze myself into it, it was not a good look and did nothing for my fragile self esteem, so I sent it packing.   Now unless you live in a surfers paradise (I’m thinking Torquay or somewhere like that), Rash Vests do not feature in the stock of your high street shops, so after making some enquiries of people in the know about such things, I found a very well stocked surf shop down in Hove and it was well worth the drive there as I got a Rash Vest I was able to fit into and almost feel good in.   It turned out that once I added sunshine and was standing amongst every body shape known to man in an Orlando water park I felt pretty darn good in it after all!!!   My little tip is to wear a one-piece swimming costume underneath, NOT a bikini, to help smooth out any lumps and bumps.

Me in 'the rash vest' doing the Hula with Lilo

So, aside from having this Holiday Of A Lifetime – which included swimming with dolphins and exotic sea life, dining at Cinderella’s Table (no less) in Magic Kingdom and whizzing upside down and every which way on roller coasters and crazy simulator rides – I have been getting fitter.   Keeping up my jogging/walking, yoga and kettlebell workouts (not whilst on holiday, I am NOT that disciplined!) and although I still have a way to go I know that I am stronger and fitter for it.    I’m entering the Race for Life again this year, and this time I intend on running it! All of it.    Even if it kills me – which of course it won’t, so bring.it.on.

When I’m not exercising, I am being Mum; cleaner, cook, peacekeeper, PA, researcher, counselor and carer.    Fortunately, and thanks to my wonderful Husband we are not desperate for money, so I don’t need to add another job to my plate – not yet anyway.  But I do spend time wondering what direction to go in next.   I am knocking on 40 and still have no idea what my vocation in life should be.   Oh well I am sure it will come to me eventually!  In the meantime I am going to keep getting fitter and improving on my Mummy skills, AND hopefully in the not too distant future, will be welcoming a new member to the family – a beautiful fluffy little puppy!!  Now that WILL keep me busy.   Watch this space!  X