After my last blog post about life getting in the way, in the last week or two I’ve suddenly found more “me” time.

I haven’t posted about it yet, but in April 2016 I was a key part in organising a weekend for Thalidomiders called “Fit for the Future” which was aimed at people with varying disabilities coming together to hear and learn about different aspects of getting fitter for their future.

Whilst everyone may become more aware of their health as they enter their 40’s and 50′, for those like myself who are impaired as a result of Thalidomide and have physical limitations – especially in terms of reach and mobility, it is much more than that.  Loss of function or weight gain can have a massive knock on effect.

Weight gain and loss of fitness – for me – may impact on my being able to control my car safely or being able to use the toilet without support from another person.  Especially for the latter, this then can impact massively upon my independence and my emotional health.

Back to the Fit for the Future weekend…  I was reminded during the course of the weekend at just how much my life has been changed as a result of losing weight and improving my fitness.  I strangely wish I could sometimes return to “life before” just for an hour to be reminded at just what a strain I was placing on my tiny frame.  I was basically carrying around the equivalent of 9 new born babies (4.5 stone).  All day, every day.  It can be no wonder that I am able to move much more easily.

I find the winter months much easier for my weight loss and fitness regime.  I have recently started one-to-one pilates and this week enjoyed a 1.4lb loss.

Following on from that success, this coming week I’m making an effort not to eat high calorie treats. I have planned my future meals (healthy), but ideally I need to stick to 1300 calories each day (shortie 4ft 9″, less mobile “older” woman!)

So as I type this, my hubbie is eating a salted caramel ice lolly next door (Tesco version of a Magnum)!

I don’t find it difficult to resist – I told him earlier today of my intention to cut out the snacks over the weekend and asked for his help and support.

My husband is my biggest support in this – he is a massive tower of support – happy to eat whatever I eat / cook / prepare and when he cooks he weighs and logs everything down for me.  Others may compliment me on my efforts and achievements, but it is he, and he alone, who lives with me 24/7 and sees precisely how hard I work to lose weight.