Morning Readers!

Sorry it's been a while since my blog was updated. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I needed to take some time out. In the month that I've been away from the blog, I have gained some weight but rest assured I am back on track once again and raring to go.

I gained 12.5lb in the 4 weeks I was away but since I've got back on track, I have lost 10lb of that gain in 2 weeks. It just goes to prove that life can throw some curve balls in our direction, but it's all about taking back that control.

No one can do that for us, we have to be in control of ourselves. I have to say, Carol, my group Consultant, has been fantastic with me and although there has been some difficult things going on, she has been there for me every step of the way, as have my friends in group. Finding that support around you is amazing. It helps you get your focus back.

At present, I've lost a total of 5st 11.5lb. I know my weight has gone back up over the weeks. I never said that the journey would be straight forward but I will always be honest about the ups and downs of losing weight. There will be tears along the way but there will also be lots of joy and happiness too which I will be sharing with you all.

One thing Carol has been saying to me over the past few weeks was to make a list of reasons why I want to lose weight and reasons why I don't want to lose weight.

She asked me where on the list I'd written "I want to do this for me!" To be perfectly honest, I hadn't even got it on my list.

I've always said I want to do this so I can be the best Wife for my gorgeous Husband. Carol said to me, "Although it's a perfectly good reason to want to lose weight, you have to want to do it for yourself."

She's right too. You have to want to do it for you. Doing it for yourself has to be at the top of your list. You deserve to be happy and you are worth it no matter how much you tend to put others first. What would you put on your for and against list for losing weight?

Looking at your against list can help you identify what's likely to hinder your progress. Once you've identified those pitfalls, you can find ways to overcome them. Have a go at making your lists. You may well be surprised at what you come up with.

Creamy Chicken Pasta
(serves 4)

Ingredients

200g dried wholemeal pasta shapes
4 carrots
8 spring onions
1 red pepper
142g/5oz whole baby sweetcorn
198g/7oz sugar snap peas
280g cooked chicken
150g pot Quark skimmed milk soft cheese
1 level tsp english mustard
Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp freshly chopped chives
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
150g pot fat free natural fromage frais
4 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Method

1. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the vegetables: cut the carrots into thin batons, thickly slice the spring onions, de seed the pepper and cut into thin strips and halve the baby sweetcorn. Place in a pan of boiling water with the sugar snap peas and cook for 4-5 minutes. Drain and add to the pasta.

3. Cut the chicken into strips and add to the pasta. Place the remaining ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour the sauce over the pasta, return to the pan and gently heat through. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve.

It can be served hot or can be taken to work for a cold lunch.

I hope you're all doing really well with your weight loss. Why not let me know how you're all doing, after all, we're all in it together.

See you lighter next week, Love Wendy xxx