So nothing exciting happened today so I thought I would share the answer to the question I get asked regularly.

What can you eat?

To answer the question it’s simple, I can eat whatever I want just in a much much smaller portion.

This is an example of what I can eat. For dinner tonight I cooked a delicious lamb roast with roast vegetables and gravy. I had 2 thin slices of meat, 2 small roast potatoes and 3 small roast carrot pieces. But as delicious as it was I still couldn’t finish the portion I had.

While I normally try to make the conscious effort to avoid high carb foods but tonight I enjoyed potatoes. My new food ethos is that I chose to no longer diet, my new world is about making conscious decisions and opting to a healthy and balanced food intake with all things in moderation.

I can still have cookies, I just make them myself with no sugar, added protein in appropriate portion control.

I can still have desserts, I just make them myself with no sugar, added protein in appropriate portion control.

I can still enjoy a variety of fresh and delicious foods in appropriate portion control. This lunchbox is my breakfast, lunch and 2 snacks.

So yes my sleeve has helped me with adjusting to my tea party portions but it has been me that has completely overhauled what I eat.

So why has my portion control substantially changed? What did my sleeve actually do?

The average adult stomach has the capacity to hold between 1.5-2 litres. With my sleeve Percy’s new capacity is 150ml. This next picture is not for the faint hearted, this is not actually my stomach but this is a visual representation of what I had removed and I’m so bloody happy it’s gone and has been the tool to support me in making these much needed lifestyle changes.

Protein Veggie Muffins

Makes: 12

Ingredients:

• 80g carrot, grated
• 80g zucchini, grated
• 80g Pumpkin, grated
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 garlic clove, finely diced
• 125g creamed corn
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 egg, lightly beaten
• 3 scoops (90g) pure protein powder
• 1 cup wholemeal SR flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and prepare a 12 hole silicon muffin tray by lightly spraying with cooking spray
• Add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir until well combined
• Spoon the mixture evenly between the 12 muffin holes and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a cake skewer comes out clean.
• Allow to cool in the muffin tray for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely
• Delicious served cold or warm with some cream cheese.

Nutritional Value per muffin:

• Calories: 130
• Total fats: 4.3g
• Total carbohydrates: 10.6g
• Sugars: 1.6g
• Protein: 11.5g

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an air tight container below 27 degrees for a maximum of 5 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.

Muesli Cookies

Makes: 15 Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toasted muesli (or rolled oats)
• 1/2 cup mixed seeds
• 1/2 cup sultanas
• 2 scoops (60g) pure protein powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional)

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius and prepare 2 baking trays by lining with baking paper
• Add in all the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix well
• In a microwave proof bowl add the butter, peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla
• Heat for 30’seconds and mix well until well melted and combined
• Pour the melted mixture into the dry mixture and stir well
• If the mixture is too dry and doesn’t come together add in the milk, this step may not be necessary as it depends on the viscosity of the peanut butter used
• Place the mixture in the fridge for 5 minutes to bring back to room temperature
• Spoon a tablespoon of the mixture onto the preparing baking tray and flatten down
• Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown
• Allow to cool on the baking tray for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Value per Cookie:

• Calories: 128
• Total fats: 7.4g
• Total carbohydrates: 9.9g
• Total sugars: 6.1g
• Protein: 6.3g

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an air tight container below 27 degrees for a maximum of 5 days
• The cookie batter is freezer friendly to be defrosted and baked within 6 months. The baked cookies are not freezer friendly
• The pure protein powder can be substituted for vanilla protein powder, just exclude the vanilla paste
• 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.

Today was a good day! The little guy and I hit up the gym where I did an hour of cardio.

Once we got home I dragged my two lazy bums off the couch and off we went for a family walk. So nice to do active things as a family

Tonight after the little guy went to sleep Jamie gave my permission to go shopping. Apparently my tops that are wear to the gym are “ridiculous” as the standard v neckline has started to develop an entire news style and not sure he’s entirely stoked with my bra understand being out and proud for the world to see….even if it’s a gym crop top underneath.

Honeycomb Protein Cheesecakes

Makes: 12 mini cheesecakes

Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 1 scoop (30g) Chocolate protein powder
• 1 teaspoon stevia (or low calorie sweetener of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon cacao
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• Up to 2 tablespoons water

Topping ingredients:

• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 2 teaspoons gelatine powder
• 300ml thickened cream
• 125g cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon stevia (or low calorie sweetener of your choice)
• 3 scoops (90g) honeycomb protein powder

Method:

• To prepare the base mix the almond meal, chocolate protein powder, stevia and cacao until well mixed
• Add in the melted coconut oil and stir
• Gradually add water 1/2 teaspoon at a time until the mixture just comes together to form a ball
• Divide the mixture into 12 even portions and press into the bases of your mini cheesecake tin
• Place in the fridge for 20 minutes to set slightly
• To prepare the topping mix the gelatine powder into the boiling water and mix until completely dissolved, set aside to cool slightly
• In a large mixing bowl use electric beaters to beat the cream until peaks form
• In a second mixing bowl use the same beaters to mix the cream cheese, protein powder and stevia until well combine, slowly pour in the gelatine mix until continue to beat until evenly mixed through
• Using a spatula fold the honeycomb cream cheese mixture through the whipped cream until just combined
• Spoon the mixture evenly over the top of the bases
• Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or until the topping has set.

Nutritional Value per cheesecake:

• Calories: 203
• Total fat: 15.9g
• Total carbohydrates: 2.8g
• Sugars: 1.4g
• Protein: 12g

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within 6 months but best served fresh
• Stevia can be replaced with any low calorie sweetener of your choice and can be increase or reduced to suit your palate
• 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.

Today is my last day of my 5 days that I been acknowledging and celebrating my NSV. I can honestly say that taking some time out to stop and think about all these things really has helped my mindset.

Today I am going to talk about numbers!

54…..54 weeks since I first saw my surgeon

44……44 weeks since surgery

78……78 total kg lost

7…..7cm that I have lost from my upper arm

27…..27cm that I have lost from my chest

37…..37cm that I have lost from my waist

46…..46cm that I have lost from my hips

23…..23cm that I have lost from my upper thigh

8……8cm that I have lost from my calf

148…..148cm total that I have lost across my 6 measure points

1.5…..1.5 is the average kg weight loss per week

27……..27 is total reduction of my BMI

64……64% of the way to my target

8……8kg to go until I get to my next mini goal and finally drop to obese class 2

26….26kg to go until I am officially half the person I used to be

170……170 calories in the glass of wine that I am having to celebrate all my numbers!

And now it’s time to do a couple of simple maths equations!

What happens when you add an October 2017 Holly with her Mum??

You get an October 2016 Holly

What happens when you add a gastric sleeve to Holly??

You get a happy healthy confident and determine Mum, partner and person!

Today I am feeling like my funk is starting to lift and I’m feeling like I am in a much better place!

Today I get to celebrate another NSV in my quest to get out my funk.

This morning on my way to work I returned my CPAP machine. Why did I return it? Because due to my weight loss I no longer suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea. This is the one of the best NSV’s yet as it shows another benefit besides weight loss. With the other being my health improving and sleeping better without sounding like a grizzly bear in hibernation snoring.

While I was there I was I was having a chat to the lady behind the desk. We were talking about my sleeve and she was explaining to me that her brother in law had the same procedure and that it resulted him ended up becoming a different and less desirable person to be around. He became judgemental, rude and offensive to all the people on his life and became bitter and resentful of the people in his life who were living a ‘normal’ life and having all the things he never let go off and couldn’t have anymore.

It made me stop and realise that yes this sleeve does so much more than change your body shape and your appearance that it really does change every aspect of your life. But in my situation I am so very grateful that I feel like my entire being has improved – I am stronger, I am positive for myself and others, I am determined and committed, I am making and appreciating better choices in my life, I am willing and able to help as many as I can who are on the same path.

My sleeve journey has done so much more than provide me with my new streamlined face…..

It’s provided me with the opportunity to find my true inner self and I kind of like this person and appreciating her a little bit more each and everyday.

Ham & Ricotta Frittata

Makes: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 120g ham, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup ricotta
• 2 garlic cloves, finely diced

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and prepare a silicon muffin tray by lightly spraying with cooking spray
• Place the all ingredients in the a mixing bowl and whisk until well combined
• Pour the batter evenly between the prepared muffin tray
• Bake for 30 minutes or until the Frittata are set on the outside with a gentle wobble in the middle
• Remove from the oven and allow to sit in the muffin tray for 10 minutes to finish cooking through before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Value per Frittata:

• Calories: 133
• Total fat: 9.6g
• Total carbohydrates: 1.9g
• Sugars: 0.8g
• Protein: 9.9g

Recipe Notes:

• Delicious served both warm or cold
• 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.

Weigh in Wednesday…..so very much hoping for a better result than after last weeks gain.

This week – 2.6kg

Since surgery – 59.3kg

Total – 78.2kg

So last weeks gain has definitely been negated plus some so I get to add an additional 1.6kg to my progressive tally.

Thank goodness today was my last day of my 5 days of purees. The flavour of purees is nice but the visual and textural side of puree phase is really difficult to sustain. I had a quinoa porridge pouch for breakfast. I had my lunch packed but unfortunately in my flurry of getting ready for work this morning I left my lunch at home, so had to make do and have a chicken and corn soup lunch from the sandwich bar downstairs at work. So for dinner I had pureed beef stroganoff I was planning for lunch and supper of a chocolate mousse.

While I am celebrating a weight related victory today I am also committed to acknowledging non scale victories! Today I am celebrating my NSV of my internal strength, dedication and commitment to improving my health and wellbeing. Today I celebrate finishing the 5 days of fluids and 5 days of purees! It wasn’t easy but I knew that it was something that I needed to do for myself to help reset, refocus and get myself back on track. I am also committed to finish this refocus off with my next 5 days of soft food phase.

Day 4 of 5 textural torture!

Breakfast – yoghurt

Post gym – iced coffee

Lunch – baked beans, ricotta & Parmesan

Afternoon tea – diet jelly

Dinner – beef stroganoff with mashed potato

My NSV that I am going to celebrate today is that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone more than I was even remotely comfortable with. Armed and terrified I went to the gym this morning wearing my “never look back” headband and a gentle remind that I need to keep pushing to move forward!

I was ridiculous sick to my stomach with nerves to the point I was nearly wanting to vomit and I had the biggest nervous wee of my life. Today at the gym I attended my first every group class at the gym…..and it wasn’t just my first group at paragon, it was the first group gym session in my entire life! What was going through my head? Can I do this? Will I be too big to do this? Will I survive? Will everyone be the staring at the fat chick thinking what is she doing in this class? Have I lost my marbles for even attempting this?

I pushed through all of those negative thoughts and I did it, I walked through those doors so far out of my comfort zone that my passport nearly needed a transit stamp. I walked into my first every Class…..RPM (aka spin) 🚲 class.

They instructor was lovely and helped me set up the bike and explained how the resistance worked and explained that I had the capacity to listen to my body and do what I was comfortable doing.

Well I did it!! 45 minutes, 869 calories, a truck load of sweat and an offensive amount of swearing later….I finished the class!! Not only did I survive the entire 45 minutes, I even did all the activities that the rest of the class did. I didn’t miss one little thing, I am so shocked at my capabilities and that I doubted myself.

The instructor and 5 other ladies all came up to me afterwards telling me how much of an amazing job I did for my first class. A couple where completely shocked when they heard it was the first time I had done an RPM class and they just thought it was my first time in that time slot. One lady who was probably a quarter of my current size said her first ever class she did the entire class on the lowest resistance so I should be proud I did the whole class, did all the resistance changes and kept a good pace.

I wouldn’t say that I enjoyed the class. The energetic “wooo” ladies that constantly yelled out during the class where very distracting and annoying and sweet baby Jesus I’m not sure my vagina and butt will ever recover!!

Hot, smelly but very proud of myself.

I went straight from the gym to go and see my GP. It was a follow up to see how my finger is responding to the fatty ointment to fix the horrible dermatitis. She’s happy with how it’s responded to the cream and will continue to use and have on stand by for it flares up again. I also had a chat about my belly button and I need to increase the frequency in which I apply the cream to my excess skin affected areas including applying cream and packing gauze into my belly button three times a day instead of just applying the cream twice a day.

We then when on to have a chat about how I am feeling with this crazy roller coaster journey. I explained to her about how I know all the rational things about my situation, that I have come so far already, I need to be patient and keep working hard. I know all these things and I know they are the truth but I honestly can’t help feeling deflated and defeated. I ended up in tears just trying to express the frustrations and grievances I have at the moment.

My happiness and body confidence is better than it has ever been in my entire adult life…..when I have clothes on! When I don’t have any clothes on I can’t help but feel disgusted, terrified and lost! I know that the skin is only temporary and it will be chopped off…..but when?!?!? it just seems so damn far away and almost unachievable.

The outcome is I will have a Medicare health care plan set up to make sure that I get in to see Margaret the lifestyle coach as soon as possible to start working on some of these issues. And I just need to get through the next 6 months and I will be closer to where I need to be to start having skin removal work done and my GP will be comfortable to do the referral to get the process started.

While the light at the end of the tunnel is still a bloody long way away at least that light is glimmering a little bit brighten after my appointment.