Saturday 17th August 2019
Good morning everyone,
I wrote this blog while I was on holiday in Scotland at the beginning of August - with hubby and our two Labradors. It was a week with lots of fresh air, walking on the beaches and through the countryside, reading and cooking some delicious No Count meals.
It probably won’t surprise you that I took a menu plan for the week – including some of our favourite lunches and dinners to enjoy while we were away.
I’m just glad we managed to fit everything into the car! With two dogs, two dog beds and their food, toys and blankets, there wasn’t much space left. I squeezed in the food processor, 3-in-1 grill and kitchen scales along with my WW Cookbooks and some food items but the majority of food was ordered online and delivered to the bungalow we were staying in.
Four years ago, I never dreamed we’d enjoy a holiday like this. I used to see a holiday as a complete break from cooking and that’s why I piled the weight on as I was unable to resist hotel buffets or restaurant desserts. Now I actually look forward to cooking and enjoying the No Count lifestyle away from home – and hubby’s happy too (he even declined fish and chips from the local chippy to have a home-cooked meal instead).
I also continued with the c25k app while away although it was tricky to find somewhere to run. There was a stony path running along the coast nearby which I decided to use. It wasn’t very long so it would mean going up and down it a few times.
Off I set, on our second day, with Week 4 Day 1. While doing the first 4 mins run, I tripped over a small rock which was half-buried in the ground. I landed hard on my knees with my hands taking the rest of the impact.
Initially, I turned myself over until I was sitting with my legs straight out in front - to ease the pain - and spent about 30 seconds using some pretty naughty language as my hands and knees were bleeding and I thought I wouldn’t be able to run again that week.
Eventually, I hauled myself up and began to walk back slowly. However, as I walked, the pain eased and I began to think more positively. Instead of sloping back feeling sorry for myself, I thought: ‘You know what, I can try to carry on.’ Thinking that you can do something makes it more likely to happen and as I tentatively put one foot in front of the other, I managed to finish the run/walk before heading back.
A major NSV for me! Gone are the days when I’ll give up if things become difficult. If it can be done, I’ll do my best to do it: and the sense of achievement and happiness you enjoy afterwards is prize enough!
I’d like to wish you all a very successful and productive month ahead. Celebrate those NSVs along the way and those positive feelings will help to make you stronger. Believe in yourself and it’s amazing what you can achieve!
Helen xxx
I really enjoy reading your blog Helen. Sorry about your fall but well done for not giving up. Can you tell me how I look up past recipes. I am looking for a raspberry and almond dessert without success. Best wishes, Pauline
Morning Pauline and thank you so much for your message. 💖💖 You’re probably best using the ‘Search’ facility to find past recipes. If you’re on a computer, it will be at the top of the screen and if you’re on a phone you’ll need to scroll to the bottom of the blog page to find it. 👍🏻💕 Hope you have a lovely weekend 🌸☀️🌸 Helen xxx
Helen, I salute you. What a wonder women, for running anyway but falling and not giving up. That is a good lesson to learn, not giving up because it applies to most things especially staying on plan. I don’t think I would have carried on. Your holiday sounds blissful my lovely. Forward thinking, having your food shop delivered 👏👏👏 You are an inspiration you only have to look at you to see your one positive dedicated lady. Loved your blog. 💕💕xxx
Awww thank you so much Pauline, your message has made my day.💜💜 I hope you have a lovely BH weekend and keep that hula-hooping going! 🙌🙌🤗💕 Helen xxxxx
Hiya, just discovered your blogs. I love self catering as I am in control. I am about to go away for six weeks to SA, so I think ‘No Count ‘ is for me. Planning of having lots of steaks, chicken and fish, we are in a time share with my sister and brother in law, she has just had a gastric bypass (April) and so far lost 3 stone with another 3 to 4 stone to lose. I will put my email address etc on my return Carol xxx
Hi Carol, I hope you all have a fantastic time away. Enjoy No Count and some delicious food over there, Helen xxxx
Thank you x
So glad to see you’re enjoying the summer break. Love your blog and love your recipes too.
Awww thank you so much 💖💖 I hope you’re having a good summer too despite the changeable weather. ☔️☀️ Enjoy your weekend 🤗🤗🌸💕🌸 Helen xxxxx
Sounds like a great holiday. Sorry you had a little tumble, hope you are all recovered. Well done on C25k, You must be near graduation soon. Good luck. Rfc x
Hi 🤗 and thanks for your message today. I’m on Week 4 Day 3 at the mo which I’ve done 3 times now. 👍🏻 Not sure my back will hold out for a longer run so I’ll carry on with this one for the time being. I’m just happy to have got this far. 👍🏻 Hope you have a lovely weekend 💜💜 Helen xxxx
I love reading your blog Helen.. so happy you didn’t put your back out again..
Awwww thank you so much Audrey 💖💖 I know, I could so easily have damaged my back again. Thank goodness it’s still ok! 👍🏻 Hope you have a lovely weekend and thanks so much for all your support 🤗🌸💕🌸 Helen xxxxx