Still Finding Me

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 ebooks  in 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:

Hello New Me - Week 1
A Healthier Me - 6 Weeks In
A Healthier Me - 9 Weeks In
A Healthier Me - 14 Weeks In
The Upbeat Blogger Challenge 
Finding Me

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.