Exercise...a necessary evil

So in previous weight loss missions, doing some exercise has made a huge difference to me. Problem is, I detest most forms of exercise. I have a very short attention span, dislike getting sweaty and would generally rather be doing something else (like sitting on a comfortable sofa).

So, the question is, what exercise can I persuade myself to do? I have enjoyed some aerobics in the past, the combination of music and having someone shout at you seems to work for me. Also, I have a dog, so longer dog walks would be an obvious option. I'm going to try and summon up the enthusiasm, I'll keep you posted on that.

Oh and while I'm here, I really don't believe in completely denying yourself treats like chocolate, that's the way to a diet breakdown. So, I've started following the recipes of a lady who calls herself 'Chocolate Covered Kate'. She comes up with sweet yummy goodies which are easy to make and low in calories. Sounds too good to be true right? I'm going to try the choc chip muffins this weekend and let's see. http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2015/01/20/low-fat-chocolate-muffins-100-calories/

Also, I'm using an app to track my calorie intake, it's a good one because I can easily create my own recipes and better yet, share them with my other half. It's called 'Lose It', so far it's good.

Zuppa Toscana

So, I'm a HUGE fan of pinterest, I love it. I can spend hours browsing through jewellery I can't afford, clothes I'm too plump to wear, interior design for a house I don't own and best of all, recipes. This one I tripped across while looking through my usual newsfeed and recognising the Italian name (my partner is Italian) I decided to take a closer look.

Since it's got very few ingredients, contains sausage (yum) and promised to be filling yet low in calories I decided it was definitely worth a try. I used Maltese sausages since I live in Malta, but I think any strongly flavoured sausage of your choice would work here. The sausage is definitely the main flavour element so choose wisely. I subbed the kale for spinach since I've always got tons of that in the freezer. If you don't like/can't get gnocchi you can always use chunks of potato.

Ingredients (serves 4 or 2 if you're ravenous, approx 300cals per serving)

7 lumps of frozen spinach
approx 1 pepper worth of red peppers in a jar
Small pot Reduced fat cooking cream (we have Hopla Light)
Chicken stock
250g readymade gnocchi
1 large onion

Boil the frozen spinach and strain.
Chop finely and fry the onion then when nearly cooked add the sausages chopped/crumbled.
Brown for a few minutes and add the red peppers (chopped)
Add the chicken stock, enough to cover all the ingredients.
Add the gnocchi and boil for a few minutes then add the cream and stir in well.
Add the spinach and cook for a further two minutes.

Voila, a warming winter soup :) 

Introducing my mission

So the time has come, like many overweight people out there, to make what I refuse to call a New Years Resolution and finally shift the weight. To explain, I've been a UK 10-12 for most of my life until several years ago I started taking antidepressants and the weight starting piling on. I'm now 30kg heavier than my ideal weight and it needs to change. My partner is also a good 30kg overweight so living together, we've made a pact to sort it out.

I hate diets. I hate celery, kale and any meal which comprises a bowl of leaves. I love good food, good ingredients and not feeling hungry. So over the next few months/years (I hope I can get there in less than a year!) I intend to track down the best low calories recipes out there and try to shift this weight without being miserable.

So hey, that's me, read on if you enjoy healthy recipes and dislike cucumber.