My First Bag of Rice (Results After Week 4)

By the end of week 4, I stepped on the weighing scale and... I had lost a total of 9.6kg.

I was really hoping to lose my first 10kg by the end of the first month but it didn't happen. Was I disappointed? Not really. I had Liz's voice in my head who told me that sometimes it's not about the numbers, it's more about how you feel inside. And she's actually quite right. I feel really good about having lost weight in general that it doesn't matter how much! All this time the scale had been going up, so it's really nice for a change that the scale is actually going in the opposite direction!

Just today, which is 4 weeks plus 2 days, I stepped on the weighing scale and I jumped up and down for joy! I've hit the 10kg mark! Woo hoo! 

I had been saying that if I lose my first 10kg, I will buy a bag of rice to commemorate or to remind me that is how much I have lost. At least there is a physical reminder for me not to slip into bad or old habits or to give in to temptation.

Rozi goes a step further telling me that I ought to carry this bag of rice with me up and down the stairs. She says that it's good exercise for the arms. For me, it's a reminder that's how it felt like going up and down the stairs with 10kg extra on me.

My friends are so supportive! Shawn has sponsored my first bag of rice and dropped it off this evening after I had sent him and some other close friends a text message of my achievement. Thank you Shawn!

Shane says I ought to commemorate this achievement by buying something to remind me of the hard work I've put in. What can I treat myself to? After much deliberation, I had announced to her and the girls that I would get a pair of new shoes. Hunting for the right pair of shoes will be fun considering I've been wearing flats all this time, a nice pair of heels will be great!

But there's something else I would like and that is a laptop bag for my laptop(s). I was recommended to buy a Crumpler bag but I can't decide which. I was advised to bring my laptop to the shop to actually test which bag would be best.

Choices... choices... whatever it is, it feels so liberating knowing that right now, ANYTHING seems possible!

The Hari Raya Challenge

                  The goodies at our house

Phewh! It was actually really tough for me during the first 2 weeks of Hari Raya. It again brings to my awareness how a lot of our customs, celebrations and traditions involve so much food! 

I can't believe how this time, I had to say "NO" to beef rendang, ayam masak merah, the ketupat, the satay, the cheese, the brownies (which I made!), the tapak kuda, the kek lapis, the popiah udang... and the list goes on and on! I was really good the first day of Hari Raya. It was easier to manage because I was at my house and I could control what goes in my mouth. I had a tuna salad for lunch and unfortunately my dinner was very late because there were lots of guests whom I happily entertained.

And then the second day of Hari Raya that was when trouble started. Normally we go visiting to my Aunt's house, my cousins' houses and several other houses all having their respective open houses. And already at the my Aunt's house I suffered! She normally cooks really good food and I couldn't have any of it! Then at my cousin's house, they had this FAT curry puff which looked so good to eat! But later I found out that it was not as nice. So it goes to show, never judge a book by it's cover - does not apply to human beings and books only! As the day progressed... I actually broke down! Meaning to say, I gave in!

Wina tempting me...

 

But the biggest realization out of this whole experience was not to beat myself up because I had waivered for that day, and for some parts of the week and for some parts of the Hari Raya month. I could have easily just "let it all go" but I didn't. Instead, I knew what I should have not done and from there just move on. By the time the whole long weekend was over, I was back on my diet and felt good about the whole process.

Shane's Trip to Food Paradise

I received a text message from Shane today. She went on a business trip to Hong Kong. I've been to Hong Kong before and the halal food I've tasted there is so yummy! I especially love the funky desserts they have! And Hong Kong is known to be "Food Paradise" that even the Asian Food Channel or was it Travel and Living has a competition about winning a trip for food and wine in Hong Kong! So imagine what it would be like when you can eat anything and everything!

Here's what she said,

"Hi girl! How u doing? I survived a trip to food paradise, so proud of myself not giving in to temptation!! Lost 5.2kg so far! yay!!!"

Congratulations Shane!  I am so proud of you!

*Pat on back for you and a BIG HUG to go with it!*