My school days saw the rise of the internet, and in those years so much changed. You could log online and a whole new world was presented before you, and it was in those years that I discovered the virtual reality of online games. Of course 2015 is a whole new ball game, the internet has exploded and now expectations are set so much higher when it comes to online gaming.
The popularity of these online games has continued to grow, and the kids of today are spoiled with choice. Take Star Stable for instance, when I first saw this game I thought it must be a game you have to purchase on a CD Rom (That right there show's how old I am right!), because of course in this day and age you just download everything straight to your computer. There is no waiting around (here I wanted to come out with the 'Back in my day....' line!) but that really does just demonstrate how far the internet and games have come.
Star Stable is the online horse game where you explore the beautiful island of Jorvik on the back of your very own horse. I know that if this had been around when I was younger I would have swooned over it. I had such a passion for horses as a little girl and longed to learn to ride, of course it is more difficult than it looks! In fact... The last time I attempted to ride a horse I actually managed to end up clinging on for dear life around the horses neck after he decided to spring into a canter and caught me completely off guard!
You can see the trailer for Star Stable here, and I have to admit that after having a little play with it recently that it's easy to see why it's so popular.
What I really like about Star Stable is being able to explore the fully functional 3D world, and not to mention being able to do it by horseback. I once proclaimed that I was never going to learn to drive, instead I was going to learn to ride a horse and I was going to ride absolutely everywhere, even to school. Unfortunately this never became my reality...But online with Star Stable my childhood dreams have become virtual realities for little ones. The game play allows you to take part in competitions and embark on exciting quests as you watch your story unfold before you.
You can enjoy Star Stable for free up to level 5, this is a great sample of the game and gives you an idea of whether or not the game is for you. After that you need to become a Star Rider Member. Becoming a full member unlocks the following bonuses to you:
Progress beyond the free-player level cap all the way up to level 15.
Access to thousands of member-only quests and exciting adventure areas.
Access to special member-only clothes, equipment and horses.
Receive a weekly allowance of 100 Star Coins every Saturday morning.
As a grown up who admittedly enjoyed the game play of Star Stables, I can see why it is so popular with the younger generations.
For years I didn't have the time or inclination to treat myself, I didn't feel overly great about the way I looked and this put me off buying clothes. Of course as we were living in our own home, we didn't really have the expandable income to just buy things willy nilly, and for those years Leo was the only one who really befitted from any lovely new clothes. That was because Leo needed new items, he was a growing boy, and as fast as I could kit him out for the one size, he was moving on up into the next one! Leo is turning 4 years old in 2 months time, and I have been buying age 4-5 for the last few months now, just so that he can get the maximum wear out of his wardrobe.
It just so happens that yesterday I was made redundant from my job, so now money is looking to be a little tighter again. With that being said though, it is always down to budgeting, and it just means that I need to be a little more refined with my spending, which these days seems to happen much more freely than back in the days where I didn't feel I could pull of anything I wore...
Of course it's times like these that you see all the items that you would just LOVE to buy. It sods law, and it literally is as though someone is having a really good giggle at your expense. Trying to tempt you to purchase that gorgeous new dress, or those shoes that would go perfectly with that bag you already have at home... But you know that you need to save. You need to be a grown up and make sure all of those bills of yours are paid each month, because you don't really know what is going to happen over the coming months. When will you be back in work again? Will you be able to cover all of your bills until you get back on your feet?
It's times like these that you really think about what you would do with an extra £100, and right now I can think of so many different things, from necessities that I really should be focusing my full attention on to all of the shiny items that capture my attention without trying. However right now my main focus is on my little man's birthday. Leo has been promised a Nintendo Wii U for his upcoming fourth birthday, of course this was before my job was on the line. An extra £100 right now would work wonders towards making my little guy's birthday. Leo is Mario mad at the moment, so he is hoping for Mario Kart 8 to accompany the console, and Mummy is going to be cooking up a storm in the kitchen baking a Super Mario Kart Birthday Cake!
For now I am applying for jobs and deciding what I want to do with myself. I left my position yesterday after finding out that my job was now redundant, as I felt that I would be in a better position to think the situation and make the changes that need making from home. I feel like I have had a productive day, and I have even looked into the possibility of returning to college. One thing is for sure, I certainly have some decisions to make over the coming weeks.
When I found out I was pregnant back in November 2010, it was a scarily exciting time all wrapped into one. I had no idea what I was doing, or even a clue as to how to look after a newborn baby. In May 2010, a month before Leo made his appearance into the world. I visited the Birmingham Baby Show with my 8 month bump wallowing out before me, but at The Baby Show this is a common sight. Pregnant ladies and newborn babies everywhere you turn.
Walking through into the show is always exciting, there is always an abundance of positive energy and excitement as everyone wanders in ready to shop until they drop! I find that the Baby Show is the perfect place to find all of your favourite brands all under one roof, it is the most efficient way to get everything you need for your baby’s arrival and take advantage of special show prices.
The show is full to bursting with first time Mum's to Mum's with 2 or more, everyone is out in force to see what is on offer to them. If their visits were anything like mine, then I am sure they were not disappointed.
The best bit of the baby show for me, is meeting the people behind the brands, being able to talk face to face with someone who holds all the answers to your questions. It is great that they will offer you all the advice in the world and still not expect to make a sale. For me this is what it is all about, gaining a confidence in the brand and the product that you are investing your hard earned pennies in, for your bundle of joy. It's only natural to want the very best.
The Baby Show opens up baby products like no where else does. If you want to see a certain pushchair that isn't usually stocked in the likes of Mothercare, then you can do that! You can have a side by side comparison, you can sit your baby in the helm and take it for a spin.
You will quite simply not find a bigger collection of the pushchairs on the market anywhere other than the Baby Show, so my advice is if you are looking to buy a pushchair and you know that the one you are after isn’t stocked anywhere locally to you, head to the show. You will be able to have a proper play with it and also other models that people recommend. Not to mention having the brand right by your side to speak to directly about any of there products.
Why not stay over?
The show goes on for from Friday 15th May 2015 right over the weekend and comes to a close on Sunday 17th May 2015. If you are going to be kitting the nursery out at the show, it really is easy to watch time run away without a trace. It is so easy to spend hours walking around and talking to people, so it may be advisable to stay overnight and maybe visit again on the second day. I especially advise this on the Saturday through to the Sunday, as you find that there are some extra special deals floating around at the end of play on the final day!
If you are thinking of heading over to the Birmingham Baby Show, then there are some great places to stay within the vicinity of the show. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is only a stones throw from the NEC and makes a very attractive base for while you visit the show, which will be even more attractive when it comes to lugging your Baby Show haul back to the hotel!
This will be the first year that I haven't attended The Baby Show, but with Leo just about to turn 4 years old, we are a little to 'over the hill', but that does not change just how amazing the show is, and when the time comes to add another little person to our family, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be in attendance!
I hope everyone going along has a lovely time, and grabs some great bargains!
Disclaimer:This Post was written in collaboration with IHG.
April has flown by and it has been a month that signifies
that big changes are coming our way. Changes that let me know you’re not the
baby I brought home from the hospital, anymore. Leo you are growing up, it’s
plain to see. From the sheer height of you these days, to how you conduct
yourself to the world and everybody around you. I can’t call you a toddler
anymore because you outgrew that title quite a while ago. Mummy has to face
facts that you are now a little boy, a little boy who will be starting school
in a matter of months.
Just the other week we received news of your school place, and
were over joyed that you got into the school we had dreamed of for you. We have
been talking to you about school for months, we wanted you to be aware of the
changes that were coming, but we didn't want to over load you. You have been
worried, you know that it’s going to be very different, but you know that
different isn't bad. It just means that there are new adventures ahead of you,
and when has an adventure ever been anything less than exciting!?
Your Nursery being in the grounds of your new school really
helps and they are doing a grand job of helping transition you ready for
September. Nursery have started to take you and the other school leavers into
the school on a Wednesday for a school lunch. I remember filling out the menu
selection just before Easter, and with you being such a fussy eater I was
worried that you wouldn’t eat any of the selections over the coming weeks and
months. On that first Wednesday they took you over you seemed worried. You said
you didn't want to go to big school, and that you wanted to stay at nursery. I
thought of you more than usual on that day, and knowing it was a double whammy
of things that you didn't want to do (Forest School) I thought it may be a less
than great day for you. I was so pleased to get home from work that evening to
discover that you had had the BEST DAY! You had loved Forest School for the
first time ever, and even put your own trousers on (You’re a little bit lazy
and refuse to do these things!) and you had enjoyed the activities. I think
even Nursery were surprised and pleased with you!
Then of course it was time to head into School for your
lunch, which was Tuna Wrap. I didn't think the Tuna would go down well, in fact
I thought that meant that you wouldn't eat at all. Instead you picked the Tuna
out declaring ‘I hate fish!’ and devoured the wrap on its own. You did so well
and didn’t let the Tuna put you off, and I cannot fault you for that. You saw
children that you already knew from the school and got very excited. When I saw
you that evening you couldn't tell me about your day quickly enough.
The weather has been improving so you and I have been
spending so much more time outside. We have been abandoning the car (Because
Mummy is still on her health kick!) and we have been walking all over town.
What we are really loving at the moment is a cheeky Costa, you have your
Babycino and Mummy has her Cappuccino. In fact you relentlessly flirt with the
poor barista. Each time you have been in recently you have flashed your blue
eyes, lifted up your shoes and announced ‘I have new shoes!’. Of course the
lady looks to admire your new shoes, but those shoes you are describing as new
haven’t been new for the last 5 months. But you try again each time you see
her, just to get her attention.
We take our Costa’s to the park, we sit in the glorious
sunshine and then you’ll run off to play on the tunnel slide while I finish
mine. It’s so peaceful sitting there and watching you run around, it made me
realise that this right here and now, shows me just how grown up you are. I
wonder when I suddenly gave you so much freedom? When I stopped having to
follow you around everywhere you went, when I became content that you were now
big enough to go down the tunnel slide on your own, and climb back to the top
again. Of course I am always there watching you, making sure that you’re ok,
that no one is being mean to you, but that again is something I am going to
have to relent upon when the school days do swing around. For now though I love
the days we get to spend in the park while the sun is shining and everyone else
is at work or school. Those days are my favourite kind of days, so simple and
special all at the same time.
We even took you on your very first camping experience! Ok so it was only in the back garden, and only because Granddad invested in a shiny new tent and couldn't wait to practice putting it up! We very quickly decided to seize the opportunity and make the most of the tent while it was there, we thought it would be a super time to see how you got on with camping, and of course you couldn't have been more excited about the opportunity! We kitted the tent out with your cot mattress and brought out an abundance of blankets so that we would all be toasty during the night. You and I Leo donned layers upon layers, you in PJ's and a Onesie and me in two Onesies! We did look a sight in our Christmas onesies!
We had a camp fire in the garden where you roasted your very first marshmallows with Daddy and then you were more than ready to go to sleep. You went straight off and slept until morning, so excited with your new experience and I know that it won't be long before you want to camp again! But let my back get back to normal first please!
Time isn’t slowing down little boy, and in 2 months’ time
you will be turning 4. My head is a mash of all things Mario at the moment,
because that is now your theme of choice. For a while you were set on Thomas.
Now however…It’s all things Mario! I don’t know how I am going to pull this one
off yet, but somehow, someway I’ll make it happen.
Monday was your typical day, Leo had attended nursery in the morning. I had spent the day at work. After work I completed my week 11 leg resistance training as per the Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide, before heading off to the gym. The evening continued much as the day had, it was all perfectly normal.
I left the gym and arrived back home, when all of a sudden my phone lights up. I open it up and read: ‘Kayla Itsines has mentioned you on Instagram’. My heart started to beat a little faster, had she really!? Had the lady herself shared my progress!?
Of course I had to have a peek straight away, and sure enough on Kayla Itsines Instagram, Facebook and Twitter feeds… Was me!
When I started following the guide 11 weeks ago I wanted to put my all into it, I wanted to see results. I needed to see results. I had never been ‘fit’ before. Yes back in the day I was slim and happily fit into a size 8 but I had never been healthy. I ate rubbish on a daily basis and just hoped and prayed I would get away with it, and for years I did.
I knew it wouldn’t last, and I knew that the weight was creeping on way before I had Leo. My answer? Sucking it in and wearing belts to push it in. It used to work a treat and until more weight piled on, I got away with it. You see I wasn’t bigger because I had a baby. I was bigger because of my un-healthy lifestyle.
I dreamed of losing the weight, of having a tummy I could be proud of, of wearing shorts without my thighs clapping together like an audience applauding. I dreamed of being able to wear a bikini and feel confident, of losing that double chin. I had so many hopes and dreams but it seemed impossible, un-realistic and stupid. How was I going to achieve any of that? I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, no confidence to make that initial trip to the gym because I had no clue how to use any of the equipment…I had no idea about any of it, where did I start losing weight? What should I eat? How should I train? What trained what? I felt like I was a lost cause, and that I was just going to have to accept that this was now who I was.
Until June last year that’s exactly what I did. I ate takeaways on a weekly basis and chocolate on a daily basis. My sides ballooned out, my tummy touched my thighs when I sat down and my chin wobbled when I jiggled my head. I was far from happy about how I looked. At 9 Stone 11 I was far from over weight, in fact my BMI was ideal and I was disappointed to discover that Weight Watchers and Slimming World wouldn’t help me lose any of the weight. I actually felt like I would be laughed out of the establishment had I dared go along, and all I really wanted was a push in the right direction and the support of group of people wanting to achieve the same goals.
I decided to do it myself, I was the most determined I had ever been in my life. I had started many diets that had been forgotten about as quickly as they had begun, but this time was different. Week by week my determination grew stronger as the weight came away. Month by month I re-discovered ‘Me’ again.
Then after losing pretty much all of the weight bar a few pounds, I discovered Kayla and the BBG Girls (Bikini Body Guide Girls!). I watched Kayla sharing these inspirational women who had completely changed their bodies. I was in awe and I was inspired. Once upon a time I would have seen these girls and not appreciated the time and hard work they had put into turning their entire lifestyle upside down, but now I got it. These girls were AMAZING, they were inspirational and I was going to do it to. I WAS going to do it!
I found the support I was craving with the BBG Girls, and the sense of community ploughed me through the first 11 weeks. I was feeling fitter and stronger than I ever had in my life, and people were noticing the changes I was making. My body was changing and people could see it.
Even I, my own biggest critic could see it!
Little did I know that 11 weeks later I was going to be featured on Kayla’s page, people were going to look to me in the same way I had looked to them. The funny thing is I never in a million years expected that to happen. Yes I was pleased with my results, but I couldn’t believe that Kayla had even seen them among the sea of other inspirational ladies making their own incredible transformations. The comments were surreal and it was hard to believe that they were talking about little old me, and now there are over 40,000 likes on that photo. The whole thing has just blown my mind.
Following my feature on Kayla's Social Media Channels I have been asked so many questions. So I decided to put together the below Q&A to answer all of the questions. I am no fitness guru, everything I know is down to Kayla and my own trial and error as I have progressed, and who knows I may actually be doing it all wrong, but something is working.
So here it is, my very first Q&A.
About me
How Old are you?
I am 25 years old.
How much do you weigh?
I currently weigh in at 7 stone 12lbs.
This goes up and down. I usually weigh in at around 8 stone.
How tall are you?
I am 5 foot 5 inches tall.
Food and Diet
Do you follow Kayla’s HELP Guide?
I follow the basis of the HELP guide, but I don't follow it religiously. I eat as clean as I can and incorporate all of the foods that are within the guide, but I don't follow it meal by meal.
Did you have to maintain a strict diet to get results?
Now this is a question that would vary on who you ask!
I wouldn't say it's a strict diet but I guess in reality it probably is. I can't remember the last time I ate chips, drank pop or over indulged in chocolate! I do count my calories, and I do watch what I eat. I do believe that you are what you eat, and as I want to see results I have been pretty set on doing everything I can to get those results.
What kind of things would you eat on an average day?
On an average day this is a common line up.
Breakfast: A fruit smoothie in my Nutribullet or a bowl of porridge with my favourite fruit.
Lunch: I am a big fan of omelette right now. They are quick easy and filling. They are such a versatile food and you can put so many different toppings with them. Aside from omelette I also LOVE Dark Rye Crackers with low fat Philadelphia Cheese and salad. Throw in some Jalapenos and you have one of my favourite lunches!
Dinner: Dinner is my favourite meal of the day, and I have found myself getting more adventurous as the weeks have gone on.
Courgette Pizza, Chicken Stir Fry, Spinach Crepes, Omelette, Quinoa and Lentil Burgers, Pesto Chicken, Pesto Pasta and Chicken Salad. There are so many tasty combinations and recipe ideas out there, I am always finding new things to try and experimenting!
What snacks do you eat?
I LOVE my snacks! I have a snack mid morning following breakfast. It ranges from a piece of fruit such as a Banana or some Blueberries, to a Nakd Bakewell Bar (My absolute favourite!) which I would usually have alongside a protein shake, home made treats such as Cookie Dough (which is actually made out of Chickpeas!), Home made fruit crumble, Almonds or even a fruit smoothie!
I eat a second snack in the afternoon which again could be anything as listed above! I am a firm believer in giving your body what it needs, and I enjoy my food!
Do you eat much fruit?
I do eat a lot of fruit, so much more than I used to. I eat fruit on a daily basis, in my morning smoothie, or in my porridge. I eat fruit as snacks during the day and have been known to devour a punnet of Grapes or Blueberries! I do try and keep it in moderation, but fruit to me now is like popping sweets!
How many calories do you eat?
I eat a minimum of 1,200 a day, it varies on a day to day basis. Sometimes I eat a lot more than that.
Did you cut out cheat meals completely?
The last cheat meals I really ate were back in December. Over Christmas I managed to put on 6lbs and I was eating and drinking pretty much anything that I fancied. I was eating out way to much and this was probably the last tie I ate chips! I have however been out recently and indulged in a big pizza all to myself, and then followed that up with deep fried Brie Wedges! I ate the LOT! That was a few weeks ago now, so cheat meals do happen, but I do try to behave for the rest of the time!
Exercise
Do you do anything else alongside the BBG?
I go to the gym on top of the Bikini Body Guide on a daily basis. I complete the resistance training as per the guide at home and then head to the gym where I then add in weight training to that days particular agenda.
Do you do cardio or only weights?
I do both, I follow the guide religiously. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are resistance training, and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday are LISS (Low Intensity Steady State), or cardio days.
Did you find it hard at the beginning?
When I started the BBG I was 8 months into my weight loss journey. So I was already in a habit of watching what I ate and going to the gym. It was more a case of polishing up what I was already doing. Of course I have days where I completely fall off the wagon, days where I want to eat all the food in sight and then some! There are always going to be harder days than others, but I want my results more than I want the chocolate!
How much do you exercise?
I exercise 6 days a week. Sunday is my designated day off. However if for any reason I cannot make LISS on the Saturday, I switch it to Sunday.
When did you notice your body changing?
I noticed changes by week 3, my body lost some of the chub and I saw the start of my baby abs. I feel like I may have accelerated the process by having lost a lot of my weight before starting the guide. Everyone is different, so even if you aren't seeing the changes as quickly as you might hope, it doesn't mean that they aren't happening! Trust the process and keep working hard!
Disclaimer: I purchased the Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide and all views and opinions expressed in this post are completely honest and my own.
I never used to be such a foodie, in the past I was happiest
when I could grab a jar of something tasty and conveniently throw in my chicken
and veg. It was always about the convenience factor, but now it is a very rare
occasion that I reach for a jar of anything. I am all about throwing in a few
choice purees, honey and spices to see what I come up with, of course there are
days when it doesn’t go to plan, but for the most part I am really loving
everything that I cook up in the kitchen. Everything is an experiment, and I am
loving the idea of trying to make meals I used to love and relish, a healthy
alternative.
This weekend was a bit of a learning curve, Saturday night
consisted of Quinoa and Lentil Burger in a malt bun with Polenta Fries, and
Sunday was Courgette Base Pizza and Polenta Fries (I have missed the idea of
fries recently, so this is perfectly ok!). Now both of these options may sound
crazy and anything but appetising, but the finished meals looked and tasted
rather amazing! In fact… I would say they look as good (If not better) than the
‘real thing!?’.
I have been posting many of these creations onto my
Instagram account, and many of you want to know how I am creating these meals.
I have to be completely honest, I am not coming up with these ideas all on my
own. I have taken great inspiration from Deliciously Ella, who is actually a
complete magician in my opinion, but recently I have been adding some twists
into some of her recipes. The Courgette Pizza was actually a complete fluke. I
didn’t know if it was going to work or not, I didn't know if it was going to
taste appetising at all for that matter.
Armed with my Nutribullet, a Courgette, Bramley Apple Sauce
(YES REALLY!) Soy Sauce, Buckwheat Flour. I was ready to attempt my Courgette
Pizza Base. I use the below recipe to make two pizza bases, but you could just
as easily do one big base, Luke and I usually have different toppings on our
pizza’s, so for us it works better to have a smaller pizza each, not to mention
it halves the calories!
What you will need:
Food Processor
A Pizza Pan greased with oil and Buckwheat Flour
Mixing Bowl
Recipe
1 Courgette
Handful of Basil
1/4 of a cup of Bramley Apple Sauce
3 tablespoons of Soy Sauce
1 Lemon cut in half
1 and a half cups of Buckwheat Flour
Method
- First you will need to blend the Courgette and Basil up, I
use my Nutribullet for this. Once this is completely blended together pour it
into a mixing bowl.
-Pour ¼ of a cup of Bramley Apple Sauce into the cup, and
then add it into your mixing bowl to mix with the Courgette and Basil.
-Now add in 3 tablespoons of Soy Sauce, (or a few more if
you want some more flavour going on) and squeeze the lemon half’s into the mix.
-Add in your 1 and a half cups of Buckwheat Flour to the
mix. This should give it a more dough like consistency.
-Now spoon your dough onto the Pizza Pan. As I use a Pizza
Pan I always place a piece of baking parchment underneath the try to stop the
dough leaking through the holes into the oven. The dough is runny until it
starts to bake, and I find that cooking the base for 10 minutes and then
flipping it gives it enough time to cook completely.
-Bake both of your Courgette Pizza Bases in the oven for
about 20 minutes on 200C. Once the bases are firm and a little crisp, you can
take them out and top them with whatever you want.
Of course now you need to top it, I always add Passatta as
my pizza sauce, it’s tasty and low in calories. I HAVE to throw some Mozzarella
on top, I only put about 30g, and that seems to satisfy my cheese cravings that
are hard to avoid with Pizza! I Also throw on Basil, Coriander Pepperoni and
Mushroom. You really can put whatever you like on it.
Cheat Polenta Fries
Of course if you want the real Pizza experience, you are
going to need some fries to accompany it! I cooked up some Polenta Fries to go
with our Courgette Pizza. I couldn’t find the maize to cook it up completely
from scratch. All Tesco’s srocked was the readymade Polenta which I had to make
do with. It comes in a 500g pack, and all you have to do is cut the Polenta
into chip like shapes and place them on a baking tray. Once on the baking tray
you can throw on:
-Salt
-Pepper
-Paprika
-Parmesan Cheese
Put them in the oven with your Pizza for 20 minutes, turning
the fries over half way through so that they are crisp on both sides. You could
even add a few more of the above flavourings in that time!
That’s a tasty and nutritious Pizza and Chips meal that
weighs in at 734.25 calories (less if you can sacrifice Mozzarella and
Pepperoni!).
This may well be my new favourite meal combination!
I have always had a healthy appetite for food, I have never been fussy and will always give everything a try, even if it is just the once. If you don't try it, how will you know whether or not you like it? Although my love for food has been great, my education into why certain foods are better for our bodies than others was not so great.
Of course until I noticed the lbs starting to creep on in recent years, I didn't care. Even the lbs catching up with me wasn't enough to put me off ordering that high calorie pizza, or chowing down on that cheeky mid week curry. Of course there is always something, or someone for that matter who can snap you out of that. For me it was being told 'Your getting fatter by the day'. It may have been said in the spur of the moment, it may have not been said in malice. But it was still said, and I knew it to be true. Those words didn't upset me, didn't make me angry. They lit a fire in the very pit of my stomach to make a change. And make a change I did.
That very next day I put myself on the track to the lifestyle I now lead. I eat clean and prepare all of my own meals. If you could have seen me this time last year, my diet in comparison doesn't share a resemblance. I cannot remember the last time I drank a can of Coke, or sat and indulged in a larger than life Cadbury's Chocolate Bar. A year ago that would have been on a daily basis, those luxury items were just part and parcel of my everyday life. I would get into work and pop open my first can of pop for that day. These days? Well I'm all about the Green Tea and my sugar fix is adding a drizzle of honey! My mid morning snack use to mean a stroll to the works vending machine and tucking into a morning chocolate bar. Now I am more than happy with a Clementine or a handful of Almonds.
This year has been such a big learning curve for me, a really important one that has made me reassess everything I eat. I didn't use to care what I put in my body, but now I want it to benefit my body and my training as well as satisfy my taste buds. I have really surprised myself on so many levels of late, and although my weekly shopping bill seems to increase thanks to the additional ingredients I need for my cooking, I am loving what I am eating so much more, and for that matter so is my body.
When it comes to cooking, I have cast aside the low calorie sprays that I was swearing by, and in it's place I added in Coconut Oil. You can use Coconut Oil as you would any other oil when it comes to cooking and baking, but I find it so much more resilient. I use it to fry my chicken breasts, I throw it into my Nutriblast Smoothies and I even stir it into my morning porridge. Of course at the moment Coconut Oil is really making the news with it's miracle weight loss prophecies. A study recently looked at how the inclusion of virgin coconut oil in the diet affects metabolism, it was discovered that the oil appears to have an ability to change the way fats are handled by the body.
It was found that when the virgin coconut oil is consumed, fat levels in the body tissues decreased, as did the amount of of specific enzymes involved in the conversion of sugars to fat in comparison to when Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil, or even basic Coconut Oil was used.
Now although I really enjoy using Coconut Oil (Coconoil) in my cooking and baking, it is not for the weightloss benefits. I just find it a such a versatile product, and it is something that comes up in many of the recipes that I enjoy to cook with.
Just this evening I cooked these little beauties up: Coconut Macaroons. So simple yet incredibly tasty and you won't believe just how little ingredients go into them!
- 1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil
- A few drizzles of Honey
- 1 Cup of Desiccated Coconut
- Put the Coconut Oil and Honey into a pan. Melt them together and add in the Desiccated Coconut.
- Take an egg cup and spoon the mixture into the egg cup. Empty the egg cup onto a prepared baking tray before cooking in the oven for 20 minutes at 160C.
Disclaimer:I was sent a pot of Coconoil in exchange for my honest views and opinions in this post.
For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you will know
that I have become somewhat of a health freak. In my mission to lose the chub I
have become rather goal orientated, I have a new love for healthy foods, and I
have even found that I am eating so many different foods that have been
specifically intended for Vegan’s. Now although I will never be Vegan, as I
love all food way too much, they do have some amazing food’s and recipe ideas
that just work so well. Of course I add my own twists and usually always add
meat!
I have been using my Nutribullet every day without fail,
mixing up a selection of healthy nutritious fruit smoothies and protein shakes. I find these a great breakfast addition, as one of my week points before was never making time for breakfast. I used to be out of the door, usually running late and I would almost always never make time to prepare something, and this would always result in me paying a visit to the vending machine in the work canteen!
I have been consuming a high protein diet in recent months, and I have found a great way of getting a source of additional protein is by adding 1 scoop of Monkey Nutrition Primal 26. Primal 26 is a high quality Whey Protein that supports rapid muscle growth and is also fat free, sugar free, cholestral free and gluten free! This tastes delicious added in to a fruit smoothie, or even just blended up with some Coconut or Almond Milk. I love adding this to my breakfast smoothie as it keeps me going all morning and it beats a morning cup of tea ten fold! With the training I have been working on in recent weeks, this protein has been a great addition.
10 weeks ago I purchased Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide, for
those of you who haven’t heard of Kayla or the guide before I will explain a
little further. Kayla is a personal trainer who lives in Australia. She has
developed two separate eBooks, Bikini Body Guide 1.0 and Bikini Body Guide 2.0. I purchased the first guide back in February and it is made up of two eBooks that ultimately form the first Bikini Body Guide.
The 2 guides
consist of a 12 week work out plan and a food nutrition plan (H.E.L.P) that is
jam packed full of tasty recipe ideas, and tells you all of the great foods to
eat to really help showcase the results you put in from your exercising
efforts. You buy the guides directly from Kayla’s website and you will then
receive an email enclosing your ebooksin PDF format. It’s advisable to download these to your computer as soon
as you can, as the email attachments will only work for a limited time to
prevent you from forwarding them on to anyone else. What I loved straight away
about the ebooks is that I can use them on the computer, and I can use them
from my iPhone.
I wanted to take this seriously as after working so hard over the past 9 months I really wanted to take my training up a notch. What I adore about these guides is that the hard work of the
plan detailing is done for you. I have been going to the gym since July 2014,
and yes I have lost weight, but I hadn’t seen much change in terms of muscles
coming into their own. After 10 weeks of following these guides, incorporating
the food into my daily life and primarily only eating good wholesome meals,
doing as Kayla’s guides advise with my exercise routines and lifting weights at
the gym, I have come a long way in the 10 weeks I have been doing it. I can feel
it, and I can SEE it!
The workout guide is easy to follow and is broken down as
above. You have 3 days of resistance training and 3 days of LISS (Low intensity
steady state) which is essentially a 35-45 minute walk, cross trainer or
treadmill session. I try and push it to 50 minutes by breaking it into two 25
minute segments because I get so warm! If there is one thing Kayla does, it’s
work you, and work you hard she will! It kind of explains the #DeathByKayla
hashtag that you may see floating around on Twitter and Instagram!
Last week I was completely caught off guard, Kayla herself actually shared a photo of my progress so far over her social media channels. The response was incredible, by the evening my photo had received over 30,000 likes, and it was all very surreal. Of course there was a mixture of comments, good and bad. But I was so happy to be recognised for the work I had put in, and by the very lady herself!
The sports bra I am wearing in the second photo is one of my favourites, it's the Shock Absorber Active Zipped Plunge Bra, and I have been using it alongside my training for the past few weeks. It's comfortable and supportive and looks really great.
Not only does it look the part but also boasts:
- Secure full-length front-opening zip for easy on and off with safety hook for added reassurance.
- Wide inner panel underneath the zip to prevent skin contact and chafing.
- Plunging neckline gives an ultra feminine look.
- Racer back design which is great for floor work.
- Made from moisture-wicking, breathable, sports performance fabrics
The Shock Absorber Active Zipped Plunge Bra can be purchased from Figleaves for £25.00.
I am at the gym on a daily basis, be it for weights or a
cardio session on the cross trainer or rower. I get through a lot of gym gear,
I need a sports bra on a daily basis, shorts or capri’s and a workout top. It’s
safe to say I have a lot of sports washing on my hands, and my gym collection
has grown somewhat in recent months. I have recently been sent a pair of rather
gorgeous Helly Hanson Wicked Pace R2 Running Shoes. I love everything about how they look to how they feel on my
feet. When the weather has been fair and dry, I have on occasion been running
to the gym, and I have surprised myself with my stamina. Once upon a time I
couldn’t have run very far at all, but I can, when I put my mind to it and
concentrate on going at a steady pace… Go quite a distance! Of course to be
able to do that I need the right footwear, and I haven’t put a foot out of
place in choosing these beauties for my running purposes.
The Wicked Pace R2 have been designed for the main objective of providing a responsive running experience, they boast maximum midfoot stability and breathability set to a 5mm midsole drop. I have found them lightweight to wear, which for me is an essential feature in a pair of training shoes, and they are well cushioned which makes them a joy to wear. The netted sections on the trainer are fantastic and really help to keep your feet cool, which now summer is making an appearance is a very welcome addition. The Helly Hanson Wicked Pace R2 Running Shoes retail at £90.00.
Of course alongside eating 3 meals a day I still indulge in snacks. How can I not? Where possible I have been taking inspiration from Deliciously Ella, a health food blogger who is a complete inspiration to me! Following her fabulous smart phone app has allowed me to cook up a storm at home, and even a very tasty healthy Banana Crumble!
When I don't have time to cook my own snacks up I have been really impressed with Bounce Energy Balls. Bounce Energy Balls are a great little snack to indulge in between meals to boost your energy levels, which of course makes them a great pre-workout treat, or even to replenish your protein after a gym session. They come in a great selection of flavours and I haven't yet tried one I don't like, and for someone like me who has a rather sweet tooth, these really do hit the spot! I don't even find myself craving chocolate these days (She says!), and if I do the Cacao and Mint Bounce Ball is a satisfying alternative!
Not to mention Bounce Energy Balls are also:
- Energising and Nutritious
- Tasty and convenient
- Filling and satisfying
- Packed with good nutrients
- Gluten free
Very recently I have had the pleasure of trying out CLIF Bar, America's favourite energy bar which is now available in the UK! It's designed to give you the boost you need for an active lifestyle. It combines wholesome and tasty ingredients such as organic rolled oats and Dates all wrapped up in a delicious bar, that is ready when you are. CLIF Bar is a great source of protein, fibre and contains 11 vitamins including B6 and B12 which help contribute to the normal release of energy for use in the body.
There's an impressive flavour selection from Blueberry Crisp, Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut and Crunchy Peanut Butter, each equally as delicious! CLIF have very recently launched some new products to their line which are great to enjoy before training for added energy. The new SHOT BLOKS have been developed for increased athletic performance whenever and wherever you might need it. They are small enough to be popped into your pocket until the very moment it is required, and are available in four tasty flavours: Mountain Berry, Strawberry, Tropical Punch and Black Cherry.
Another new product to their line up is the CLIF SHOT GEL which again is great to have on your person for a moment where your energy could do with a quick boost. There are four great flavours available: Chocolate, Razz, Citrus and Double Espresso.
You can catch up on my fitness journey so far below:
Disclaimer:I have been sent a selection of the products featured in this post if not described as 'purchased' within. All views and opinions are completely honest and my own.