WK 4 12WBT - Getting in the Groove

So week 4 has rolled on by  - we are so in the groove now - husband and I are starting to really notice the changes - both physically and mentally. Lets start with the physical...

Husband has lost about 6 kilos and 20cms from his body - he looks awesome and I am so proud of him. He's back on his bike and doing rides of over 50kms and I can really notice that he is a happier person. His clothes hang differently on his body and suddenly a belt is the new must have accessory!

For me, I've dropped about 4.5 kilos and 16cms from my body. Clothes are start to hang differently and this week when I posted a pic (See Below) of me with my business partner Eamon Sullivan and Cricket legend and McGrath Foundation founder, Glenn McGrath - I was floored and humbled by the comments - they were almost all about how good i looked! Yes that's the sounds of an ear to ear grin! I mean seriously - on guy is an underwear modeling, Olympic swimmer and the other is a very dapper, real life Legend...yet the comments were about me...wow!

Meeting Glenn McGrath and the foundations Managing Director Kylea Tink was really wonderful. Eamon is a McGrath Foundation ambassador and we're really excited about supporting the foundation however we can. But really it reminded me that through real tragedy and sadness amazing things can grow. Glenn is one of the loveliest men I have had the pleasure of meeting and what he has done over the years since his late wife's passing is truly courageous and visionary and humbling. It reminds me that being the best person I can be at all times is important, that thinking outward instead of inward is important, that life is fragile and precious and we must do what we can to give everyone a better life including ourselves.

Between Meeting Glenn and Kylea and getting involved in International Women's day events, I am truly moved to do more for others, whilst also doing 'this' for myself. 

The mental changes I have seen in myself and in Andrew have had a huge affect. We are both thinking about our approach  to life differently from simple things like the way we eat and exercise, to what our purpose is and what we can do for others - our church, our community, internationally, our friends and family. 

Glenn McGrath, Me, Eamon Sullivan @ our cafe 'Louis Baxters'

Week 3 12WBT - Highs and Lows

It's been 3 weeks since my husband and I started our 12WBT adventure. 3 weeks of sticking to a food plan, exercising daily, standing on scales, saying 'no' to all the foods I've said 'yes' to in the past and saying 'yes' to all the things I've said 'no' to in the past. 

It's been 3 weeks of taking my lunch with me - even to my own cafe - of planning ahead, of having schedule, of being organised. And it's working. I've lost about 4.5 kilos. My clothes are starting to sit on my body differently, I'm feeling better, more energetic and importantly, I am proud of what I've achieved. 

But i've had a rough week. For those who don't know, we're also going through IVF at the moment, we've been doing the various stages of IVF for almost 2 years now and the last 3 attempts have been full IVF. Sadly we had 2 miscarriages last year and we have just been through our first cycle for 2013. 

This week I found out that our latest IVF attempt failed and the news is heart breaking. For anyone who has been through it, you'll know that IVF is extremely emotional but also has a very invasive physical part to it and of course a huge financial aspect. It knocked me for a six and all I wanted to do was punish myself - eat 'comfort foods', drink wine, curl in a ball and cry. But I didn't. I am lucky enough to have an amazing support group - My husband who is by my side through everything, two of my closest friends Vari & Nicola, who know exactly what to say to me to get me back on my feet and my mum, who's unwavering faith is a huge comfort. I also made a plea via twitter to @12WBT & @Mishbridges - the 12WBT crew suggested that instead of punishment by food, i do something soothing - like get a manicure....An excellent Idea. Mish pledged her support and told me that I am amazing. 

The point I am trying to make is that no matter what, how painful something is, if you talk to people about it, if you share your problems with your family and friends, then you can overcome it. There is a huge part of the 12WBT which is dedicated to emotional support - the forums, facebook sites, twitter, live chats. We aren't left to hang out and dry on our own. With life change comes emotional ups and downs - we aren't alone in this.