I decided to concentrate on my weight loss after my relationship ended. I also had a diabetic check up and was told that I may have to go on insulin. This made me determined to lose the weight I needed. I was 24st 12lb at the time.
To start with, I lost two stone alone with cutting out treats such as crisps. sweets, biscuits & chocolate. I was asked to go along to Slimming World to support a good friend of mine and then decided to join myself!
I joined in February 2016 weighing 22st 12lb and set a target to lose 5st with Slimming World (I reached this target within 12 months so 7st loss in all).
The support I have received from the group has been amazing! There have been some great weight losses within the group which has been an inspiration to me.
I have been voted “Young at Heart Slimmer of the Year”, “Man of the Year” and “Mr Sleek” of the group!
At the time of this interview I have lost over 7st and would like to get close to my 16st target - then I would have lost a total 9 stone!
I’m finding that I’m able to move more freely, and physio have said I have more flexibility in my legs. This has give me more confidence in myself.
Different conditions, different backgrounds and different experiences.
Showing posts with label Diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diet. Show all posts
Monday, 1 May 2017
Juice Diet by Mark Chapman
For the last 4 years I’ve been on a juice diet on and off. For the weeks when I’m on the juices I just have a juice for my breakfast and lunch, then soup and a sandwich for tea.
Over the 4 years I have lost 3 stone, which makes me feel so much better I no longer have to worry about how I look and my clothes fit better.
Most of the juices contain avocado, beetroot or banana as the main ingredient because that’s what fills you up. For the breakfast juice I usually have one with a banana, raspberries, blackberries and yoghurt. That’s good for breakfast as its light and it’s a good start to the day like cereal and cereal bars.
There are loads of juice recipes out there, I use a recipe book by Jason Vale who is known as the Juice Master.
My favourite juices are;
Many of the recipes contain lemon or lime, this is so that the juices stay fresh because the citric acid in the lemons and limes prevents the juice from oxidising, it also helps makes the juice taste good.
Since I’ve been doing the diet my health and well-being have improved, touching wood I haven’t had a chest infection or a bad cold in that time.
All the vitamins and minerals within the fruit and vegetables used in the juices have boosted my immune system; this with the weight loss has made me a lot more confident and happy with myself.
The juices have given me more energy. I never feel bloated because the juices are nice and light but they are still filling and you aren’t left feeling hungry. My skin and hair is healthier, it’s a lot smoother, feels and looks stronger.
Over the 4 years I have lost 3 stone, which makes me feel so much better I no longer have to worry about how I look and my clothes fit better.
Most of the juices contain avocado, beetroot or banana as the main ingredient because that’s what fills you up. For the breakfast juice I usually have one with a banana, raspberries, blackberries and yoghurt. That’s good for breakfast as its light and it’s a good start to the day like cereal and cereal bars.
There are loads of juice recipes out there, I use a recipe book by Jason Vale who is known as the Juice Master.
My favourite juices are;
- Carrot, orange and mint.
- Beetroot, blackberries, apple and lime.
- Avocado, kale, cucumber, apple and lime.
- Pear, parsnip, apple and lime.
Many of the recipes contain lemon or lime, this is so that the juices stay fresh because the citric acid in the lemons and limes prevents the juice from oxidising, it also helps makes the juice taste good.
Since I’ve been doing the diet my health and well-being have improved, touching wood I haven’t had a chest infection or a bad cold in that time.
All the vitamins and minerals within the fruit and vegetables used in the juices have boosted my immune system; this with the weight loss has made me a lot more confident and happy with myself.
The juices have given me more energy. I never feel bloated because the juices are nice and light but they are still filling and you aren’t left feeling hungry. My skin and hair is healthier, it’s a lot smoother, feels and looks stronger.
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Keeping Warm - Brrr.... it’s cold! – Sanjay Vaja
During the past few years, and more so since being in a wheelchair, I have found myself feeling the cold a lot more. I've tried different ways to keep warm. Ultimately, it’s been about learning what works for my body. However, there are some general things that I wanted to share, in case they help others.
For me, it’s about keeping my ‘core’ warm – my upper body / chest area. If my upper body is cold, my body says ‘right, time to conserve energy’ and literally switches off the heating to my feet. No matter how many thick socks or thermals I’m wearing, or sitting with the fan heater on, it doesn’t make any difference if the internal heating has been switched off.
How do I keep the upper body/chest area warm?
Thin layers and long sleeved tops. Either a long sleeve thermal top, or cotton long sleeve T-shirts, or just an ordinary long sleeved shirt. Sometimes with, or without a short sleeve T-shirt underneath. Then a thin long sleeve jumper on top (eg a thin lambswool jumper). Those big woolly jumpers don’t do much for me, plus they are heavy and restrict movement. There’s also room for a fleece on top of it all if I’m heading out.
My neck
Mum always tells me to keep my neck warm – and she’s right – it makes a huge difference! If my neck is shielded from the wind and cold, I feel noticeably warmer. Plus it seems to be quite trendy these days to wear a scarf.
Shoes
My podiatrist ordered some insulating insoles for me. A thin polystyrene looking layer that can go on top of existing insole, or a thicker one that can replace the existing insole. I can really feel the difference when I've got them in. Simple, but effective.
Socks
I tried some Bridgedale Comfort Trekker socks and also some Bridgedale Endurance Trekker socks. They are really warm wool socks and not too thick – the Endurance Trekker ones are warmer. Just be careful as you may need bigger shoes but for around the house, they’re great. The other ones I've found great are the everyday M&S wool blend socks – they look and feel like normal socks but are warmer.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgedale-Endurance-Trekker-Mens-Socks/dp/B000OIOQXA
http://www.marksandspencer.com/2-pairs-of-lambswool-blend-thermal-long-socks/p/p20027016
My podiatrist suggested I try ‘silver socks.’ They are recommended for people who have Raynauds. They’re designed to “minimise the radiative heat loss by actively reflecting 95% of the body’s energy back to the skin. This makes them a lot warmer compared to conventional socks.” I’m not sure if they worked or not – I need to try them again now that I've worked out to keep my core warm. Perhaps that will be a winning combination? They can be found at the Raynauds Shop: http://www.rsa-shop.co.uk/index.php
Other useful information about chilblains and keeping warm can be found on the Raynauds website under the Raynauds menu on the right: http://www.raynauds.org.uk/index.php
Gloves
For a while now I've used ‘magic gloves’ that are thin but have little rubber bobbles that help with grip. I used them to grip cold handrails or walking sticks or just because my hand is exposed on the controller arm. They are a ‘one size fits all’ and I've seen them for £1 in Macclesfield (if you want me to get you a pair!).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Warm-Magic-Gloves-GL313/dp/B004APQ0A0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1423595499&sr=8-5&keywords=magic+gloves
Thermal tops
I've found some nice brushed cotton ones from Tesco, with a faux fleece inside. Long sleeve and nice and warm. Most outdoor shops also stock long sleeve thermal tops. My advice would be to make sure that they are not too heavy and that they don’t restrict your daily movement too much.
Thermal bottoms
I have tried a few. Some with a thick elastic waistband but that’s awkward when going to the loo and some with or without a fly (with is easier). I've recently found the pair that seem to work for me – Peter Storm (from Millets/Blacks). They have a soft finish, are stretchy and are slim fit which keeps me warm. They have a comfortable elastic waist band and soft stretchy ankle cuffs. Everything ticked!
http://www.blacks.co.uk/mens/084170-peter-storm-mens-thermal-pants-
khaki.html
Diet and exercise
Diet and exercise are also important. A good diet gives you enough energy to keep warm, and exercise helps with circulation (and keeps physios happy!). Warm drinks and soups are great too!
Sleeping
I have an electric under blanket on my profiling bed. It’s on a timer so it comes on in good time to warm my bed, and switches off when I’m far away in dreamland. It’s great but the one I’m using so far from Argos, seems to stop working after 4 or 5 months. Perhaps because I’m using the backrest all the time to sit up in bed? Argos keep replacing it but we’re looking for a better one.
Hopefully there’s something in here that will work for you. If you would like any further information please do drop me a line. Please e.mail sanjman108@gmail.com
Take care and keep warm! Sanjay
For me, it’s about keeping my ‘core’ warm – my upper body / chest area. If my upper body is cold, my body says ‘right, time to conserve energy’ and literally switches off the heating to my feet. No matter how many thick socks or thermals I’m wearing, or sitting with the fan heater on, it doesn’t make any difference if the internal heating has been switched off.
How do I keep the upper body/chest area warm?
Thin layers and long sleeved tops. Either a long sleeve thermal top, or cotton long sleeve T-shirts, or just an ordinary long sleeved shirt. Sometimes with, or without a short sleeve T-shirt underneath. Then a thin long sleeve jumper on top (eg a thin lambswool jumper). Those big woolly jumpers don’t do much for me, plus they are heavy and restrict movement. There’s also room for a fleece on top of it all if I’m heading out.
My neck
Mum always tells me to keep my neck warm – and she’s right – it makes a huge difference! If my neck is shielded from the wind and cold, I feel noticeably warmer. Plus it seems to be quite trendy these days to wear a scarf.
Shoes
My podiatrist ordered some insulating insoles for me. A thin polystyrene looking layer that can go on top of existing insole, or a thicker one that can replace the existing insole. I can really feel the difference when I've got them in. Simple, but effective.
Socks
I tried some Bridgedale Comfort Trekker socks and also some Bridgedale Endurance Trekker socks. They are really warm wool socks and not too thick – the Endurance Trekker ones are warmer. Just be careful as you may need bigger shoes but for around the house, they’re great. The other ones I've found great are the everyday M&S wool blend socks – they look and feel like normal socks but are warmer.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgedale-Endurance-Trekker-Mens-Socks/dp/B000OIOQXA
http://www.marksandspencer.com/2-pairs-of-lambswool-blend-thermal-long-socks/p/p20027016
My podiatrist suggested I try ‘silver socks.’ They are recommended for people who have Raynauds. They’re designed to “minimise the radiative heat loss by actively reflecting 95% of the body’s energy back to the skin. This makes them a lot warmer compared to conventional socks.” I’m not sure if they worked or not – I need to try them again now that I've worked out to keep my core warm. Perhaps that will be a winning combination? They can be found at the Raynauds Shop: http://www.rsa-shop.co.uk/index.php
Other useful information about chilblains and keeping warm can be found on the Raynauds website under the Raynauds menu on the right: http://www.raynauds.org.uk/index.php
Gloves
For a while now I've used ‘magic gloves’ that are thin but have little rubber bobbles that help with grip. I used them to grip cold handrails or walking sticks or just because my hand is exposed on the controller arm. They are a ‘one size fits all’ and I've seen them for £1 in Macclesfield (if you want me to get you a pair!).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Warm-Magic-Gloves-GL313/dp/B004APQ0A0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1423595499&sr=8-5&keywords=magic+gloves
Thermal tops
I've found some nice brushed cotton ones from Tesco, with a faux fleece inside. Long sleeve and nice and warm. Most outdoor shops also stock long sleeve thermal tops. My advice would be to make sure that they are not too heavy and that they don’t restrict your daily movement too much.
Thermal bottoms
I have tried a few. Some with a thick elastic waistband but that’s awkward when going to the loo and some with or without a fly (with is easier). I've recently found the pair that seem to work for me – Peter Storm (from Millets/Blacks). They have a soft finish, are stretchy and are slim fit which keeps me warm. They have a comfortable elastic waist band and soft stretchy ankle cuffs. Everything ticked!
http://www.blacks.co.uk/mens/084170-peter-storm-mens-thermal-pants-
khaki.html
Diet and exercise
Diet and exercise are also important. A good diet gives you enough energy to keep warm, and exercise helps with circulation (and keeps physios happy!). Warm drinks and soups are great too!
Sleeping
I have an electric under blanket on my profiling bed. It’s on a timer so it comes on in good time to warm my bed, and switches off when I’m far away in dreamland. It’s great but the one I’m using so far from Argos, seems to stop working after 4 or 5 months. Perhaps because I’m using the backrest all the time to sit up in bed? Argos keep replacing it but we’re looking for a better one.
Hopefully there’s something in here that will work for you. If you would like any further information please do drop me a line. Please e.mail sanjman108@gmail.com
Take care and keep warm! Sanjay
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