The fractured toe fog is starting to lift!

Yesterday was day 10 post fracture so it was a big event for me, the day I got to attempt real enclosed toe shoes! And I got through the day, I might have been hobble and uncomfortable but I made it 😀

So with the all clear on shoes this morning there was only one place that I wanted to be! In my sneakers and back at the gym! 5.30am my alarm went off, so off I hobbled to the gym, still not even close to be being fully back on deck….but I am relieved to be back!

I did 20 minutes cardio on the arm cycling thingo, well that’s not fun.

I also tried the mountain climber machine for about 5 minutes and damn that thing is all sorts of heart racing torture!! While I on the climber my arse my basically in my bestie gym buddy’s face which she cheekily commented on my changing bum shape and the fact that I am an emerging shapely peachy booty. Lol, I NEVER thought I would hear the day I had a good looking booty!!

Caught up with my amazing PT Anita, who has become so much more than just my PT. She is also my exercise mentor, inspiration, recipe tester and my friend. I think she was an excited to see me back as I was to be back! And she even checked out the booty goodies once Lisa pointed it out to her.

Finished off doing upper body weights, it’s very frustrating that it’s all I am limited to for he next 3-4 weeks until I get be fully back on deck as despite working hard I still couldn’t get to my minimum calorie burn of 800 that I like to reach each workout.

Off to work feeling happy to be back, confident in my emerging self and somewhat peachy……

Classic Protein Bliss Balls

Makes: 20

Ingredients:

• 150g pitted dates
• 1/3 cup raw cashews
• 1/3 cup raw almonds
• 1/3 cup walnuts
• 3 scoops (90g) chocolate protein powder
• 2/3 cup shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup coconut flour
• 1 tablespoon cacao
• 75ml melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut

Method:

• Place the pitted dates in a heat proof bowl, cover with 2/3 cup of boiling water and soak for 30 minutes
• As the nuts, protein powder, shredded coconut, coconut flour and cacao in a food processor and process until the nuts are roughly chopped
• Drain the dates from the liquid, ensuring you reserved the liquid for later
• Add the drained dates to the food processor with the melted coconut oil and process until it comes together
• Gradually add in the reserved liquid in teaspoons quantities until you can pinch the mixture and tightly roll into a bowl (this recipe used approximately 2 & 1/2 tablespoons liquid)
• Roll approximately a tablespoon of mixture into a ball using damp hands
• Roll in the desiccated coconut
• Place in the fridge to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes before enjoying

Nutritional Value per Ball:

• Calories: 132
• Total fats: 8.7g
• Total carbohydrates: 8.4g
• Sugars: 5.4g
• Protein: 5.9g

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an air tight container in the fridge for a maximum of 5 days
• Store in a zip lock bag in the freezer for a maximum of 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 holly10 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.

I have been a little bit quiet on the blog front lately.  If I am completely honest with myself it’s because I am struggling at the moment.  Wednesday last week started like any other Wednesday and had my weekly weigh in.  I was absolutely over the moon to finally have a big number appear on the scales.

This week – 1.5kg
Total – 84.3kg

I was still on holidays so I spent the day with my mum and my little man, which is when the incident happened!  Now I wish I could say it was an exciting story of a massive adventure.  I wish I could say it was a gym injury. I even wish it was some hilarious drunken holiday season celebratory occurrence….BUT alas it was none of these things.  I was simply a complete uncoordinated klutz and while out and about at the shops I kicked the wheel of the shopping trolley and completely shattered my toes.  It was so painful that I had tears rolling down my face and despite moving my mouth it hurt so much that no words actually came out.  Once I cleaned up the crimson fluid that I had left trailing behind me and I had bandaged up my banged up toes I went on my way.

The next morning I went to my regular PT session, pushing through the pain and discomfort, with the support of Panadiene.  It was a great session despite the pain and I even did something that I have never done in my entire life. I did a chin up, it might have been supported by equipment, but I still did it.

https://c4kkitchen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_4449.mov

More to that, the video Anita took of me doing it was slightly mesmerised by the tone and strength that I never knew I had in my shoulders and arms. As the day wore on the pain increased in my foot.

Friday morning came around and I decided that I needed to go to the doctor as the pain in my foot was not improving at all. I rang around to my main GP clinic, then my two other back up GP clinics and another three new GP clinics I had never been to before to try and get an appointment to have my toe looked out with no luck as all appointments were fully booked. I just had to survive until next week when I could get an appointment.

Friday night the tears were flowing and the pain was ridiculous…..I ended up calling the locum out to visit me at home.  The locum had a look at my foot and told me that he suspected I had broken a toe and gave me some pain killers so I could get some sleep that night.  He made a reservations the next morning to see a GP within his clinic to get a full assessment and referral for an x-ray.

Saturday morning, off I hobble to this appointment.  Yup, it hurts to move, yup she also suspected a broken toe, if not a broken bone along the side of my foot.  Best case scenario – no break but severe bone bruising that would just take time to heal.  Middle case scenario – I had broken a toe and/or the bone along the side of my foot and would need a moon boot for up to 6 weeks.  Worst case scenario – I would need a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon for surgery.   So she sent me on my way with a script for pain killers and an x-ray order form.   Later that morning once the x-ray results came back the verdict was in.  She called in mid best case scenario, I had some bone bruising on the lower metatarsal (the lower bone of my toe) but I also had a hairline fracture on my little toe.  So hooray, no surgery and hooray no moon boot. But I am officially sidelined!  I can’t wear a closed shoe for the next 10 days and I can’t put any pressure on my foot for the next 4-6 weeks.

This officially sucks.  Just as I am getting my groove at the gym, I am feeling confident in going, I am enjoying the fun and banter with the staff there and I am REALLY enjoying going to the gym. Never in my life thought would these words come out of my mouth, but there it is…I MISS THE GYM!!

Managed to survive the rest of the weekend living on the couch, and it really is so exhausting being in pain and doing nothing – all I want to do is sleep at the time. I am flat, I am sad, I am miserable and I’m no disappointed that my body is not doing what I my mind and determination wants to do.

Monday comes around and it’s back to work for me after the Christmas and New Year’s break.

So back to packing my lunch.

I have also decided that since I don’t want to lose any momentum I have on my weight loss journey that I am going to have be super strict with my diet given that I am practically immobile, so it’s back to basics and back to doing my food diary again for a while.  Also my current, I can’t wear shoes situation, poses somewhat of a wardrobe problem for work.  When you work in a corporate office thongs aren’t exactly appropriate footwear.  I tried just wearing thongs with my corporate clothes and it looked ridiculous, I couldn’t do it.  I tried wearing one normal shoe and one thong, it looked slightly less ridiculous, so this was the best I could do when mixing corporate and comfort together.

Tuesday comes around and I’m well and truly in a funk.  I haven’t been to the gym since Thursday and in fact I have barely moved of the couch except to go to work.  I get a timely email from Fitbit with my weekly report as it’s really no shock to read that my floors climbed in stairs are down, my step count is down, my average daily calories burnt is down, my days of exercise are down and my total active minutes is down.  Thank you Fitbit for rubbing my face it this, I am all too aware that I have been a couch dwelling non-exercising sap of an individual.  And I am so unhappy with this situation that the email was enough to set off the water works and ended up having me in tears.  Not to mention that it was Tuesday with my weigh in Wednesday looming knowing that I hadn’t done a brass razoo of exercise in the last week and if I am completely honest with myself, until I started doing the food diary again on Monday I was eating my feelings with much carb-loaded choices than I would normally be making.  Knowing that tomorrow was Wednesday was enough to push me emotionally over the edge.

Weigh in Wednesday is here again.
This week – 0.5kg
Total – 84.8kg

I have no idea at all how this is even possible. I am worried. I am confused. I am happy. I am angry. I am disappointed. Quite frankly, I am confused!! But I will take it all the same.  I also slightly feel like the universe is messing with my head. I am probably overthinking things severely but I feel like it’s laughing at me and taunting me about my somewhat slightly unhealthy obsession without counting on numbers with even the number on the scale counting back at me.  That’s right that number read 1234 (123.4kg) counting right back at me!!

So even though I have still lost weight, I am still disappointed thinking that it could have been more if I was mobile, it could have been more if by body was cooperating with the program.  People are telling me it’s my body’s time to rest and recover – I get that I really do BUT I don’t want to, I just want to keep pushing and striving to be my best.  People tell me to take a break from the numbers, from regular weigh ins and from counting my macros – again, I get it I really do BUT I know what I am like and I know that this would be even worse for me as I would spend the whole time second guessing myself and wondering what if. I would rather know and be in control of these things….yes yes, essentially I am a control freak.  But why am I like this? Because I am so damn determined to get where I want to be and I want to be there as quickly as possible. I am impatient, so impatient that I want to be there now not in 38kg time.

Amongst all this confusion and negativity on my roller coaster of the last week. I can draw still pull out some positives.  I have lost again and it’s now only 900g away until I finally drop from Class 3 Obese to Class 2…..the next mini goal and the next mini milestone is in sight.  And yesterday I also received another re-homed City Chic dress. It was a size small, laughing when I received it as there was no way in hell I would fit into a size small for a while yet but I tried in on regardless.  Much to my shock, it not only fit comfortably, it actually also looked quite nice (despite the mismatched footwear of thongs).

When I started this crazy adventure I didn’t even fit into the largest City Chic size of XXL and now I’m fitting into size S and it’s a reality that soon I won’t even fit into any of the City Chic range as they will be too big.  Never in my life did I think that plus size clothing would be too big for me.

So this is why I have been somewhat absent and somewhat quiet of late.  I have been surviving, fracture toe and all……

Apple Wonton Pies

Makes: 6

Ingredients:

• 12 wonton wrappers
• 3 large apples
• 1 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil)
• 1 tablespoon xylitol (or low calorie sweetener of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon all spice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Method:

• Peel and core the apples, roughly chopping into the same size pieces
• Place in a small saucepan with the butter, xylitol and 2 tablespoons of water and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the apples are slightly softened
• Add in the spices and simmer for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic
• Set the mixture aside to cool while you preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and prepare a 6 silicon muffin tray by spraying with cooking spray and lining each well with a wonton wrapper
• Spoon the mixture evenly between the 6 wonton wrapper
• 
• Place a second wonton wrapper on top of the apple filling pressing down around the edges to seal then fold the lid over to fully seal the pie

• Lightly brush the top of the pies with egg wash or milk
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Nutritional value per pie:

• Calories: 92
• Total fat: 1.1g
• Total carbohydrates: 20.2g
• Sugars: 8.5g
• Protein: 1.5g

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an air tight container in the fridge for a maximum of 5 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.

Protein Pancake

Makes: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 scoop (30g) vanilla protein powder
• 1 tablespoons almond meal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Method:

• Whisk the egg white until light, fluffy and aerated
• Add the remaining ingredients and fold through until just combined
• Allow to sit for 5 minutes and the quickly stir again
• Place half of the batter in a mini frying pan that has been spray with cooking spray and cook over a medium low heat until the mixture bubbles through, approximately 2 minutes
• Gently flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes
• Turn the pancake out onto your serving plate
• Top the pancake with your choice of topping, picture shown has served with high protein yoghurt, fresh berries and sugar free maple syrup.

Nutritional Value per pancake (pictured toppings not included):

• Calories: 96
• Total fats: 2.2g
• Total carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugars: 0.8g
• Protein: 16.1g

Recipe Notes:

• Best served fresh
• Store the batter covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, gently mix the batter before cooking after being stored
• 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.

As 2017 comes to a close I am reflecting on the year that has been!

The last year I have been in my sleeve cocoon, adjusting to my new world, changing and improving my life one day at a time! I have previously posted celebrating my journey so far so I don’t feel like I need to re-write it again.

Here it is for those who missed it – Celebrating 2017

I also think a picture is worth a thousand words so here is a short slide show of the best reflections I can every have. My eyes may not see the progress when I look in the mirror but I can not deny what I see in photos!

I am so very grateful for 2017, it has improved me as a person more than I could ever imagine.

I am so bloody excited for 2018. I don’t do resolutions…resolutions to me are intentions not actions. So instead I have goals, goals for 2018 that I will achieve!!

So what are my goals for 2018…..

💥 to continue to lose more weight using my mini weight goals along the way to keep me motivated and focused

💥 to reach my goal weight of 85kg

💥 to continue my fitness journey with a goal to go to the gym 4-5 times a week with 2 cardio sessions and 2 cardio/weights

💥 to get my BMI classification to overweight category

💥 to get to a consistent size 14-16

💥 to start the process for my relocation services (aka plastics for excess skin removal surgery)

💥 to learn to be kinder to myself, to hopefully learn to see what others see instead of my warped perception of what I see and to learn how to graciously accept a compliment without diverting to a self deprecating joke.

💥to try and work through to overcome my clothing anxieties and to learn how to dress to my new body shape to flatter my curves and to appreciate my new shape

💥 to continue to share my journey and my recipes. I will continue to do this not only for myself but in the hope I can support, inspire and motivate others.

I have some big goals for 2018 but I’m stronger and more determined than ever to achieve each of these goals and share my progress along the way.

Protein Brownie

Makes: 3

Ingredients:

• 12 squares sugar free dark chocolate (approx 45g)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 scoop (30g) chocolate protein powder
• 1 tablespoon coconut flour
• 3 tablespoons milk

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius and gently spray 3 wells of a silicon mini loaf tray
• Break the chocolate up into squares and place in a microwave proof bowl
• Heat the chocolate in 15 second increments stirring well between until just melted
• Add in the coconut oil and stir through until the oil is melted
• Add the egg yolk and whisk until smooth
• Add in the remaining ingredients and stir until you have a thick smooth batter
• Pour evenly between the prepared tray
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until just baked or slightly under baked if you prefer them slightly chewy
• Allow to cook slightly before removing from the mini loaf tray
• Delicious served cold or warm.

Nutritional Value per serve:

• Calories: 115
• Total fats: 6.4g
• Total carbohydrates: 3.2g
• Sugars: 1.3g
• Protein: 10.7g

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an airtight container under 27 degrees for a maximum of 2 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly but best served warmed after defrosting
• 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.

For Christmas yesterday my Mum gave me a pack of gratitude cards. So every Tuesday I am going to draw a random card from the deck and share it with everyone.

“Describe something beautiful around you?”

This one is super easy! I have 2 answers!

The first is the most remarkable human being I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. This woman is strong, she is humble, she is kind, she is pure, she is determined, she is beautiful, she is committed, she is empathetic, she is understanding, she is inspiring, she is my Mum!!

The second is this little man, he has my heart, he is my reason and that gorgeous little smile gets me every time!!

What is is your answer for this gratitude card? Feel free to share or just find what your grateful full and keep to yourself 😀

Today is Christmas Day. I am not a religious person so I don’t celebrate the religious beliefs of Christmas but I believe that Christmas is a time of giving and a time of appreciation all of those amazing people in your life!

Today I have had an amazing day. I have seen my family, Jamie’s family (my extended family) and some of my closest friends. A day that was filled with laugh, love, friendship, food and frivolity! My amazing family and extended family have been so incredibly encouraging, supportive and positive in my progress in the last 12 months and their belief in me really gives me the strength and determination to continue in the next 12 months.

I also really enjoy the giving part of Christmas! Giving gifts that I have carefully selected for people in my life knowing that when they open their initial reaction makes the time and thought spent in finding the right gift makes it all totally worthwhile.

I guess this principle follows everyday of my life given than the reason a dedicate the time every day to write and share my Percy journal and to share the recipes I create. While I am primarily doing this all for myself I get a great deal of personal satisfaction giving to others who read and following me hoping to help, motivate and inspire others on the same path.

So in closing I am wishing that everyone had a safe and merry Christmas filled with good cheer! I know I was a lot more cheery than last yard as last year I was day 4 post op and was “enjoying” my liquid diet.

Today will be my last daily journal entry. I promised myself that I would do a daily post for 365 days to openly and transparently document my progress, my victories, my results, my challenges, my melt downs and anything else that was thrown at me. I have now concluded my 365 days so as I transition into year 2 I will be still doing regular Percy journals but when there are things that are worthy of documenting rather than my daily ramblings. I am also trying to decide if I continue with my weekly weigh ins or if I drop them back to fortnightly. But still weighing up the options on that one.

Having said that today I do have something to talk about. Today we had King Christmas…. family Christmas catch up for my mums side of the family. I haven’t seen most of them since this time last year, when I was still about 3 days pre-op. I had all sorts of nerves getting ready and my wardrobe anxieties where even more heightened that normal. Not only was it the normal do I look ok? What do I wear to suit my shape? This is what I decided on!

The debacle I go through every day was exacerbated today with the additional stresses…Will they notice that I have lost weight? Will they be happy and proud of how far I have come? What will they think? My family mean so much to me and I value their opinion so very much!

Well my fears where put to rest. My Aunty couldn’t stop raving about how good I was looking and how proud she is of me. She is wondering where the extra 40kg I have left to lose is going to come from. My uncle was so excited and proud of me.

My cousins, my amazing favourite gorgeous cousins where so full of compliments and positive reinforcements. My cousin said to me last Christmas he couldn’t get his arms around me this year. My other cousin couldn’t believe how young and healthy I’m looking.

I am so relieved that I haven’t disappointed not only myself but my family too.