Today I experienced something that is very new for me. I had a successful shopping expedition! Normallly when I go shopping for clothes it’s crazy stressful experience that normally ends in tears.

Today I walked out happy with my purchases and also happy with the things I tried on, fitted and looked nice but didn’t buy. I think FINALLY that clothes number is starting to shift.

Previously I couldn’t shop in City Chic as the clothes were too small.

Last time Jamie and I had a date night I wore my first goal outfit of a City Chic XXL dress. Today I bought a City Chic dress in the size of XL. Not only is that smaller size but it wasn’t black and it was a cut that firstly defined my waist, which is something that I have always avoided like the plague and secondly didn’t resort to flaunting the girls. It was a nice surprise to wear something with shape that I was proud to wear! I also tried on a few other pieces which also fit and looked nice but opted not to purchase.

I also bought something that I have wanted but never been able to find one I like and that fitted. A nice knitted jumper, nothing extravagant or fancy just a nice and warm everyday too. Even better that it’s a size 22, somehow this jumper has skipped size 24 completely.

I realise sizing is so inconsistent and it’s probably a big cut but it’s a gratifying moment to see THAT number go down in the jumper I bought (and in the other four I tried on).

The entire purpose of this shopping trip was because tonight was date night again where it was so nice to see up and feel happy, confident, comfortable and I will continue with my positive self affirmations – I felt really pretty! It’s still weird to think of myself in this way but I kind of like it.

Day 53 – 5.2km, 53/50 – 194.8km

This is my last daily km check in as the page challenge finishes today. Happy to say I achieved well over the target 100km mark.

Blueberry Protein Muffins

Makes: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 scoops (60g) vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 
• 1/2 cup yoghurt 
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries 

Method: 

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and prepare a silicon muffin tray for 6 muffins
• Place the oats, protein powder and baking powder into a food processor and process until the oats are ground and all well mixed
• Place in mixing bowl with a well in the centre
• In a small mixing bowl whisk together the yoghurt, milk and egg
• Pour the wet mixture into the well and fold using a spatula until well combined
• Add 3/4 cup of the blueberries into the mixture and just fold them through 
• Evenly spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tray
• Top the muffins with the reserved blueberries and lightly press them into the batter
• Bake for 20-25 minutes 
• Allow to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Value per muffin;

• Calories: 140
• Total fat: 2.4g
• Total carbohydrates: 14.9g
• Sugars: 5.3g
• Protein: 12.6g

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an airtight container below 27 degrees for a maximum of 4 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within 6 months 
• Protein powder used in the recipe is Protein Supplies Australia WPI Fast Release protein powders
• You can buy online from www.proteinsuppliesaustralia.com.au 
• Use the Discount code psafriendsofhollys at checkout to get a 10% discount 

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes. The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Yesterday in one of my Facebook support groups one of my sleeve sisters posted a video with her personal reflections on her journey so far.  Something she said really hit hard in my brain and I have no idea why but I am so grateful it did!

I need to be kind to myself and I need to give myself come credit where credit is due.

So today I shout it from the roof tops…..

TODAY I FEEL PRETTY!!!

I am now also confident enough to proudly wear bright red and bold sexy Mumma lipstick.

It’s a huge thing for me to think this let alone say it out loud.

Day 52 – 1.7km, 52/50 – 189.6km

Today was a disjointed day. Started my day having some Nanna (my mum) and niece time. We went for a walk while Maddy ride her bike to the playground.

I had a little win I’d actually not only comfortably fitting in the swing but also actually using it properly. 

It was so nice to spend some quality time playing with niece and at one stage I even broke into a run!

Then head off to work to do a few hours then back to mum life of therapy appointment, dinner, lunchboxes, prep for the day tomorrow.

Days like today aren’t anything special or worthy of reporting on but it still gives me the chance to reflect how much easier life is to do everything I need to do in my day.

Day 51 – 4.8km, 51/50 – 187.9km

Barley and Beef Cheeks

Serves: 4 or 12 Bariatric portions 

Ingredients:

• 4 beef cheeks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 6 mushrooms, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 sprigs Rosemary 
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 beef stock cubes
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• 1 can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 can water 

Method:

• Heat a heavy based frying pan over a medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray
• Seal the beef cheeks on both sides until they have a crispy exterior, approximately 2 minutes each side over medium-high heat
• Place all the vegetables and herbs in the base of the slow cooker bowl
• Top with the stock cubes and the barley
• Place the beef cheeks on the vegetables and then pour the tinned tomatoes then fill the can with water and pour over the top
• Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours
• Serve with mash or streamed green vegetables.

Nutritional Value per Bariatric portion:

• Calories: 158
• Total fat: 4.6g
• Total carbohydrates: 6.1g
• Sugars: 1.3g
• Protein: 22.5g

Recipe Notes:

• Store covered in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within 6 months

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes. The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Chocolate Protein Balls

Makes: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops (60g) chocolate protein powder
• 1/3 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon cacao 
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons water

Method: 

• Place the protein powder, coconut flour, oats and cacao into a blender and process until the oats are ground and mixture is well combined
• Pour the mixture into a bowl 
• Add the coconut oil, vanilla and 1 tablespoon of water and use a butter knife to mixture until comes together
• Add the remaining water gradually until it starts to form dough balls
• Divide the mixture into 6 even portions and roll into balls
• If desired roll in coconut or chopped nuts

Nutritional Value per Ball:

• Calories: 172
• Total fat: 10g
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 0.7g
• Protein: 10.2g

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an air tight container below 27 degrees for a maximum of 7 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within 6 months 
• Protein powder used in the recipe is Protein Supplies Australia WPI Fast Release protein powders
• You can buy online from www.proteinsuppliesaustralia.com.au 
• Use the Discount code psafriendsofhollys at checkout to get a 10% discount 

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes. The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Weigh in Wednesday!

This week – 0.2kg

Since surgery – 40.2kg

Total – 59.1kg

Given my past weeks eating habits, lack of sleep, lack of exercise I am elated with my loss even if it is little!

I was honestly expecting a gain week.

900g off 60kg total and 2.5kg off my next goal weight to be 50% of my way to my target.

Today the little guy had a class excursion into the city so I joined them for a while on my work lunch break.

It was a 2km walk there and 2km back and even though I was in my heeled boots I absolutely crushed my previous PB of walking speed so today I celebrate that little win.

I also had four seperate comments on how clear and fresh my skin is looking. So to them I say thank you and I accept another little win.

Day 50 – 5.1km, 50/50 – 183.1km

Chicken San Choy Bau

Makes: 5 Bariatric serves 

Ingredients:

• 5 lettuce cups
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 250g chicken mince
• 1 small onion, dived
• 4 garlic cloves, finely diced
• 1cm fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 long red chilli, finely diced (optional)
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1/2 zucchini, grated
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 
• 2 teaspoons sweet chilli sauce
• 1 scoop (30g) pure protein powder (optional)

Method: 

• Heat the sesame oil in a heavy based frying pan over a medium heat
• Sauté the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli for 1-2 minutes until the onions slightly soften
• Add the chicken mince, carrot, zucchini and spring onion and brown while breaking up the mince for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through 
• In a small mixing bowl combine the sauces with the protein powder with a fork until smooth
• Add the sauce mix to the chicken and stir through until all the chicken and vegetables are well coated and the sauce has come to a heated temperature 
• Spoon the mixture into a lettuce cup to serve.

Nutritional Value per serve:

• Calories: 129
• Total fat: 4.2g
• Total carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugars: 3.2g
• Protein: 15.8g

Recipe Notes:

• Only fill the lettuce cups when you are ready to serve
• Store the filling covered in the fridge for a maximum of 2 days
• The filling recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within 6 months 
• Protein powder used in the recipe is Protein Supplies Australia WPI Fast Release protein powders
• You can buy online from www.proteinsuppliesaustralia.com.au 
• Use the Discount code psafriendsofhollys at checkout to get a 10% discount 

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes. The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

My normal Holly day has gone our the window this week as I had to change my work days around to go to a meeting. I can say hand on my heart I MISSED IT!!

I missed the time that I turn the music up, clear the brain of the daily routines and worries and simply just walk to some awesome beats.

Lachlan’s sleeping has been horrendous lately and not getting any better being awake anywhere between 2-5 hours in the middle of the night meaning I am awake for this duration too.

This has resulted in two less than desirable returning habits being my snacking in the middle of the night.  I know half of this is habit but the other half is because I need a hit of calories to get and keep me functioning.

The other thing I am doing is having an extra coffee during the day which is adding in an decent whack of calories I’m not burning as I’m too damn tired and don’t have the time in my schedule to exercise.

Very nervous for tomorrow’s weigh in….60kg total is so close but it won’t happen tomorrow, I am sure of that!

Day 49 – 2.8km, 49/50 – 178km

Today I can cross something off my bucket list that I’ve never done before.

Public holiday in Adelaide today so we scored an extra family day which we made good use of.

We headed off to model train exhibition, to the pub for lunch (where my salad was begin off for a weeks worth of dinners and I became a communal share plate) and then headed off to the Saint Kilda playground.

We have been there so many times before we have sat and watched. Today I was all over the place climbing hills and stairs chasing a pocket rocket around and did something I have never done with the little guy before…..

We went down the slide together!!

I love being an active mum rather than a sideline mum.

Day 48 – 5.6km, 48/50 – 175.2km