*Weekly Update - Changing*

There has been a lot of hype for the forth coming release of Weightwatchers new Propoints plan and in all honesty I'm really excited. Normally I hate such a huge change (not that I would write that on my CV) it just causes so many second guesses and I hate the feeling of being unsure. I have read a lot of comments and also heard a lot of debates on the changing system which has made me reflect on the ever changing me.

On reflection I have changed a lot of the past few years, but more so than ever over the past month. I have overcome numerous hurdles over the past month (sometimes kicking and screaming) and some of these are things I thought I would never be able to do. I know that my mental health is changing, I'm beginning to think positively again and even more so then previous and to be honest I'm liking the new me. I'm not fighting against myself at the moment (which is what makes my weight loss journey so hard), I guess you could now call it a journey to inner peace. At the moment nothing feels as good as making a positive or good decision.

On Friday I weighed in... +2lb. I had GAINED 2lb? Hand on heart I really did stick to my point allowance, I couldn't understand why so on Saturday I Tweeted that I had had a rubbish morning and eaten a vast amount of junk. I ate that junk because I thought "whats the point?" I had gained 2lb for 'no reason'. Once I had eaten it I felt even worse then I did when the scale showed a gain and that's when I told myself, if I don't carry on then I'm always going to this weight or more likely heavier. So what if I gained 2lb! I lost 10lb the week before and I had accomplished things during the week I didn't think possible (I rode my bike on my OWN to a place a few miles away). So that was the end of my destruction. The best thing was, it took hours to realise my destructive actions rather than days or weeks.

As well as riding my bike and stopping my self-destruction I have also signed up to an aerobics class of a Monday. That's right people... aerobics! If you read my blog regularly please do not panic as my Monday night swim is changing to a Friday. There, panic avoided.

I can't help but feel happy knowing that I'm taking steps to be the best of what I can be however big or small they are.

Accomplishment's:

• I rode my bike to somewhere new - I rode nearly 7 miles and burned 900kcal! 
• I tracked 6/7 days - my missing day was Saturday, I did try to track everything but being a binge I lost count of a lot of what I ate however I did stay to plan for the rest of the day.
• I had my 'me time'

Goals:

• Try something new - My last weeks try something new is my aerobics class tonight so I know I can tick this one off next week.
• Track all week - I will be giving even more attention to this, this week as its the launch of Propoints. Excitement!
• Take my calcium tablets - I don't consume a lot of diary through choice and I take medication (nothing serious) which as a side effect can decrease bone density and after the issues which my back and chest decided to do what was advised and purchase some supplements. Now I just have to take them.

And just to imprint the fact that I will be ticking off one of my goals, here is me getting ready to go to my aerobics class. (I'll let you know whether I survive)

Have a fabulous week guys and gals.

Roo xoxo

*Weekly update - Motivation and Biking Adventure*

Although I didn't stay for my meeting this week (it was my niece's 1st birthday), I know that the topic was regarding motivation. I covered my new motivation only recently so I think I will pass on this topic until its covered in my meeting again.

So moving on to my week...

I've had a super crazy week and the weather has been scorching. I'm not really a summer lover because I feel uncomfortable in shorts and strap tops so I end up melting in my normal jeans and t-shirt. However I've upped my activity regardless of sweating out the river Thames. I've walked my socks off and biked until my butt was numb. I've never felt so alive!

My achievements this week:

• I tracked 3/7 - I'm really annoyed at myself for this as I know I do best when I track every day.
• I upped my fluid intake
• I upped my activity
• I lost 2.5lb on the scale!

I'm happy with how I've done this week however there is still lots of room for improvement.

My goals for the week:

• Track everyday
• Drink my 2lt everyday
• Bike to and from Uni (just over 12miles in total)

And finally just a few photos from my 6mile bike ride today ...

A refreshing ice lolly which we chased an ice cream van for.

Have a fab week everyone...

Roo xoxo

*Electra and I - A local biking adventure*

I'm still not feeling 100% but I do feel much better than the previous two weeks so I thought I would take Electra for a ride around my local area. I live around a 15-20 minute train journey from central London which is a journey I want to tackle on my bike soon as I commute to London several times a week. Until then I will stick to riding through my local area.

This is the first real ride I have taken since purchasing Electra (the first was around the block) and I was so excited about doing it and had a huge grin on my face the whole time. I'm sure I looked slightly psychotic with my Cheshire cat grin but I don't care I was having so much fun and for the first time in weeks I was able to block out the pain in my chest and back.

At one point I got a couple of giggles from some kids which dented my confidence and I actually considered turning back (my confidence is not my greatest attribute and is something I mentioned in a recent post, my lack of confidence has stopped me from doing numerous things and as I will discuss in the future something that has stopped me from living my life) but I was lucky enough to then ride past a guy that I can only describe as, as having a very individual and quirky fashion sense. As I rode past him I could feel his eyes follow my bike and when I turned back to look at him he was smiling just as much as I was previously. That one person smiling felt amazing and quickly lifted me back up and gave me the confidence to carry on. Thank you quirky dressed guy!

Here are a few photos I took of my favourite local park. Its so peaceful and there is always someone there either walking their dog, playing football or cricket.

An accidental photo but one I thought I would keep as it shows the shape of my face which is something I only hope will change with losing weight.

I'm not a religious person but I love churches, mosques and temples which are very common within my area.

 Might I add.... to the man in the white van that nearly ran me down, thank you, its people like yourself that give white van drivers bad names!

So there you have it, my first biking adventure. Although it was a short journey (3.4 miles) I loved every second of it and couldn't wait to get back out on my bike again.

Have a fab day and enjoy the sunshine,

Roo & Electra xoxo

*Electra and I - my super exciting news*

If you know me personally you will know that I have been saving and searching for a bike for sometime now. I did have my heart set on a metallic blue American Navy inspired bike which I absolutely adored. However due to lack of funds at the time I actually missed out on that beautiful bike and have been searching ever since. The search has now been called off as I have found a new bike that is to my retro taste (however my heart will always belong to the American Navy bike).

Firstly, if you have read my previous posts you will know that my blog was previously under the title of "The Adventures of comic book girl", so if you haven't already guessed I am a huge comic book fan. Yes, really I am. So when I came across a brand that was called Electra (although spelt slightly different) I had to have one of their bikes.

So here she is.... my gorgeous new bike

I haven't been able to take her for a ride yet as I am still finding it really painful just walking, however I do plan to take her out at the weekend no matter how painful it is.

If you are wondering where I got my lovely bike from, I purchased it at Chain Reaction Cycles. The service I received was amazing. However I would like to point out that I was lucky enough to have my partner put my bike together for me, unless you have built one before I would maybe suggest taking it to a bike shop and have them put it together.

I am so excited about taking her out for a ride at the weekend and my first trip will be going to purchase a helmet, FUN!

Have a terrific day,

Roo xoxo