So, I *am* studying at the moment, but I came across a particular study and thought I’d share it with you guys.

Clare et al. (2008) investigated group identification and well-being in people with early stage dementia.  They had 7 participants, and the study was longitudinal, which means participants had “follow ups” over a course of two years.  The study was based on interviews with these participants.

The first interview took place at the onset of dementia and the second after participants had become active members of an internet based self-help and mutual support network.  Clare et al. (2008) found that participants had gained a sense of group identity, of mutual support and collective strength, self-respect and satisfaction with life.

Now I know this isn’t an online support network for dementia.  But it is an online support network where we, as people trying to lose weight and get in shape, can share our thoughts and worries, our failures and successes.  The most important word in that study?  ACTIVE.  Be an ACTIVE member, read blogs, comment on blogs - share your own experiences and support.  In doing so, you become a known member of the community but you also get the chance to see that everyone falls down sometimes, that you are not alone.

So I am going to try and be an active member of 3FC blogs.  I want to gain all the things the participants in Clare et al.’s study did, and I just wanted to share with you, in case you want to gain them too.

So I’ll write about today later, but I wanted to voice some of my thoughts about yesterday.

I’m glad I got out and about and we went for our walk.  It’s also fortunate that our street is a 45 degree angle from sea level so it’s a steep hill!  The weights were good too, but I want to try for more.  I want to fit in some sit ups today too.

Water was good too, I need to drink more today though as I feel a head cold coming on so I need to bombard myself with fluids.  Taken my vitamins so that might help.

With food, I ate quite a lot of carbs yesterday, and didn’t quite strike the balance between what I want and what’s good for me!  There was bread and rice in there so I need to be careful.  I’m glad I just had the tuna steak for lunch though.  I’d thought about making tuna mayo and sweetcorn toasties *num num* but decided against it since I had toast for breakfast.  Good thing too!

Ok, I’m away to study now… *boo*

Mango x

P.S. Km25 - I didn’t know it took only 90 (continuous) days to form a habit either!  A friend in her Senior year told me, she specialises in Food Psychology.  However, bad news is it only takes 5 days to break it again, then you have to start all over again!  But good luck with your 90 days