Tough Cookie
Hello. Remember me?
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Worst photo and lighting ever. Can't you tell I'm a terrible poser. |
Last January I set out to lose weight, and I wasn’t going to
take no for an answer (I’d failed so many times before). I went onto lose 4
stone last year and have finally accepted my body the way it is. For the first
time in my life I finally felt worthy – like I wasn’t this horrible ogre anymore,
hiding away in baggy clothes. I also
took up running, which has undoubtedly changed my entire life – it is the best
decision I ever made to put on my trainers and bite the bullet and go for a
run. It was the start of a whole new life for me.
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Ribbon and brooches used on our wedding invitations. |
This year things are different. I get married in less than
four months’ time- a day which has been so meticulously planned and anticipated
over the past two years. As it grows
closer, I feel those tiny flutters in my stomach, wondering whether I will be
able to cope with all the attention and eyes on me – if you know me at all, you
will know I carry a shy side. One that has always shadowed me and often
crippled me.
But of course, I remember I am marrying my love, the man I
dreamed of marrying from being a little girl. His undying love and affection
will get me through the camera lens and spotlight. I have his hand in marriage,
and that is what I am truly blessed with.
Food, glorious food. All baked in my own kitchen. |
My goals and dreams don’t seem as scary or impractical; I
feel more fire in my stomach. I’ve picked up many skills on my way and am still
on my quest to find the balance of happiness and success.
Weights a funny one, because although I have nothing more to
lose, which sometimes does play havoc in my mind. Remaining on a diet is just
part of my everyday life now – I eat well, and I eat plenty – I choose not to
eat certain foods, and I am proud that I can make that choice and see the
benefits. The thing I have learnt is that being on a diet, learning to home
cook rich and nutritious meals is hard,
I still struggle now (Sophie wrote something that really struck a chord with me
here), but as you go along you learn
there is so much more to food than you realise. You learn to love to cook, and
you learn what is good for you.
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Pumpkin soup ... divine! |
My running has been consistent for over 6months now – I run
on average 3-4 times a week, running a 5k distance each run. I do push myself to
hit times and believe me I know what it’s like to feel pain. The cold
conditions and unpredictable weather is an obstacle, but I work with it and I
look forward to a brighter, richer spring ahead.
My highlight of January? Running a spontaneous 10k in a sub
50 time. Posting our wedding invitations
out and getting creative in my kitchen making an incredible onion and chive
loaf, and a wholesome pumpkin soup.
♥
I'm so happy to read a post from you Alice! I'm seriously impressed you baked that bread - it looks sheer perfection. Your food looks absolutely lovely, I'm going to pick your brains for some meal ideas. I've been slacking in my running - doubt I can even make it to 10k at the moment, argh. I HAVE to up my game on the quick and get my mojo back on that front , bleugh. The January blues have pummelled me on that front. We are long overdue a catch up too x.
ReplyDeleteI makes me tear up thinking about how far you've come Alice. You've always been a wonderful human being, but now you're a happy one too. If nothing else has come from blogging for me, meeting (virtually) you was the best thing. I cannot wait to hear all about your wedding day, it will be undoubtedly spectacular.
ReplyDeleteI love you and miss you,
K xx
You are looking fabulous Alice, and I'm seriously impressed with that bread! It looks delicious. xxx
ReplyDeleteYou do look great, and I'm impressed with the bread making :) I've been using my breadmaker quite a bit recently, haviong vowed not to eat shop-bought bread anymore after reading an eye-opening book on it in the past. Yay for all the exciting things ahead.
ReplyDeleteYou look incredible, I can almost feel the self-confidence from here!
ReplyDeleteThank you for both my surprises in the post! I'm thrilled with both. xxx
What an inspiring person you are. I love homemade soups my favourite being a low fat cauliflower cheese one.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an uplifting, inspirational post to read! Those home-made soups look delicious as well, and you look lovely in the photo. - Tasha xxx
ReplyDeleteYou have come so far and you look incredible!
ReplyDeleteMaria xxx
You look incredible, and so does all that food! Xx
ReplyDelete