Thank you

April 28, 2024 / No Comments

I started this blog as a place to keep myself accountable to my fitness and health journey and to start writing again.

Suddenly, it’s become so much more than that.

At a close friend’s wedding yesterday, 6 different people came up to me and said that they’d been reading my blog and had been motivated to make a small change.

I didn’t realise that:

a) People actually read my blog

b) I was inspiring anyone

c) Anyone else was finding it hard as I was

So this is just a quick post to say thank you to all of those people who took the time to let me know that they enjoy my blog. You’ve all inspired me to keep plugging away, keep trying new things and keep writing about it. We can get there together!

Mulitpower Nature’s Power Bars

April 26, 2024 / No Comments

I was sent some Nature’s Power bars by the lovely people at Multipower to try out and I’ve got to say, I was pretty impressed…

These bars are designed as pre and during training snack made with natural ingredients that contain fast and slow-releasing carbs.

I got 2 each of the salty cocoa, honey & seed and strawberry & cranberry bars and I obviously started with the salty cocoa flavour.

It was crispy, chocolatey and salty (obviously). Perfect! I don’t have a sweet tooth so I’ve found other nutrition bars to be waaaaaay too sweet in the past. The honey and seed bar was also delicious and much more chewy which I found more satisfying. The strawberry and cranberry bar was my least favourite bar but that’s just because I don’t really like dried fruit! I know, weird.

I had one before each of my last 3 personal training sessions and I have to confess that I didn’t feel particularly invigorated during the session but I wasn’t really hungry afterwards (which I always am).

They’re relatively high in carbs (around 25g per bar) so these are probably not suitable for anyone on a strict low-carb diet. However, I would definitely choose these as a healthy and tasty pre-workout snack. In fact, if these were repackaged into some funky organic and natural packaging, you wouldn’t realise that you were eating a sports nutrition bar!

Details

What? Multipower Nature’s Power bar

Flavours? Salty cocoa, honey & seeds, strawberry & cranberry

Where can I buy them? Only online at the moment

How much? £32.99 for 24 bars

Disclosure - I was sent these products to review but all opinions are my own

The siege is over

April 23, 2024 / No Comments

It’s been 5 weeks. 5 frustratingly demoralising weeks.

But finally I have taken a step off my weight plateau and lost my first pound in 5 weeks. I’m still 6lbs away from my goal weight but I’ve accepted that these last few pounds are going to be the most difficult to lose. I’m trying to focus more on how I feel and look which is helping but after spending my entire life looking at numbers on the scale it’s tough to step away from using that as a measure.

To remind myself of how far I’ve come, I made this:

That’s 14lbs (1 stone) down and 2 dress sizes *dance of pride*

To blitz this last bit of weight I’m ramping up my exercise do include more cardio and hiit workouts with my trainer. I’m also going to up the amount of protein I’m taking in by trying out Maxitone Sculptress protein powder to replace 1 meal a day (probably breakfast) accompanied by some fruit.

Wish me luck!

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April 17, 2024 / No Comments

itsthetinythings:

Really struggled on my 4km run tonight, lately every time I run I have a stitch within 1km! Any suggestions on how to avoid this? #running #runningtips #help #workout #selfie #healthie #tips #advice #training

learning how to yonce

April 15, 2024 / No Comments

Have you ever seen a baby elephant trying to take its first steps? Well imagine that. On ice. And that is largely how I look when I dance.

However, part of my new healthy lifestyle is to try out new fitness classes and so when a friend asked if I wanted to learn how to dance like Beyonce (one of my favourite ladies), I was in.

We booked in with Seen On Screen Fitness who offer dance-based classes all around London and went along to a Why Don’t you Love Me class at the YMCA club on Tottenham Court road.

Bonnie, the founder of SOS, welcomed us in and warned us that for the next 90 minutes we had to channel our own personal Sasha Fierce. I was nervous.

We went straight into a dance-like warmup which had our heart rates pounding and a ‘sexy’ sheen of sweat covering our faces. Then came the choreography.

Bonnie was great. She explained each section in full, taking us through the steps over and over again until we got it. After each section we would run through it at full speed with the music, adding the new section one each time. My apparent inability to coordinate my legs and arms was cancelled out by the massive very un-Beyonce like grin on my face. And don’t get me started on trying to do body rolls or ‘graining on that wood’….

At the end of the class we split into groups and performed the whole dance for each other with cat calls and shouts of encouragement. It was delightful.

Details

When? Every weekend

Where? Canary Wharf, Tottenham Court Road & Clapham

How much? £18 for each class. It’s not cheap but it’s a great workout and so much fun!

Also, here’s Beyonce being amazing for nearly 15 minutes. You’re very welcome.

My Fitness kit list

April 12, 2024 / No Comments

It should come as no surprise to you that I’ve been a big fan of shopping, spending money I don’t have and coveting other people’s clothes for years. My only problem now is that this obsession has turned to fitness kit.

Seeing as it’s something that I put on at least once a day, it’s not really that much of a shock!

Here’s a round up of my current kit list, guaranteed to make you look fitter, sexier and like you know what you’re doing…

1) Saucony Kinvara 5 LDN trainers

I’ve been a big fan of Saucony’s for a few months now since I was paired with a beautiful pair of Omni 12s that stop my annoying over-pronating feet from doing too much damage to my knees. However, these new Kinvara 5s are something else… Made specially for the 2014 London Marathon, they’re an eye-catching red, black and gold and they’re obviously limited edition. Get yours at the Neal Street pop-up store 3rd-21st April and hurry, sizes are selling out fast! RRP £105

2) Forever 21 leggings

There is plenty of activewear on the market that is overpriced (IMHO) but Forever 21, everyone’s favourite American version of Primark, has introduced a great range of affordable activewear. The leggings are my favourite as they do plain ones, crazy patterned ones, yoga ones, harem ones and lounge ones. So many types… Not only do they look good but they also come with moisture-wicking tech and performance designs. Pick them up online or in store at one of eight stores around the UK. RRP from £8.25 - £18.75

3) Marks and Spencer sports bras

Although I’ve come some way from that first embarrassing bra fitting that my mum dragged me to, I still haven’t found a sports bra that can beat M&S on comfort and durability. Granted, I’m right towards the smaller end of the scale in this department but the elasticity and support that these simple crop tops provide is perfect for moderate impact exercise. Find them online or at most M&S stores, RRP from £12.50

4) American Apparel tank tops

Call me old school but I like to wear a bit of cotton when I workout. These American Apparel tanks, while not the cheapest, are definitely the best feeling. They’re light, come in a good range of colours and the racer back cut is very flattering. Always a bonus when you’re looking your best with sweat pouring down your face… Get yours online or at any American Apparel store round the UK. RRP £16.00

5) Yoga mat

A yoga mat is an essential piece of kit, even if you don’t always use it for yoga! I use mine to do my home workouts/yoga/pilates on as well as taking it to picnics and using it as a sleeping mat (when I camp. Which is hardly ever…). Mine is a USA Pro mat and is very basic but for a RRP of £6.99 you can’t go that wrong!

And finally, for your viewing pleasure, here’s a photo of me trying to look fierce before my Seen On Screen Beyonce dance class… Review coming soon!

My 30 day paleo challenge – an egg too far

April 3, 2024 / No Comments

If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have noticed that for the past 30 days I’ve been trying out the Paleo diet, so called because you have to eat like a caveman.

Luckily that doesn’t mean eating ancient species of rodent but rather you eat unprocessed, natural and ‘whole’ foods.

Anything dairy is out as are grains (including legumes, so no green beans or mangetout. Sob) leaving you with a diet of meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, nuts (but not peanuts as these are a legume) and seeds. Healthy natural fats such as avocados, olive oil and coconut oil are allowed.

So here’s a typical day’s worth of food on my paleo diet:

Breakfast

1 x smoothie (banana + blueberries + mango + spinach + coconut water)

2 x hard boiled eggs (whites only)

Lunch

Mixed salad with poached salmon, beetroot and pumpkin seeds and a squeeze of lemon juice

Afternoon snack

Handful of carrot sticks with a teaspoon of natural almond butter

Dinner

Lean turkey marinara with sweet potato wedges and steamed greens

I decided to take on this paleo challenge after an incredible 2 weeks in India where I did nothing but eat white rice, garlic and cheese naan bread and paneer curry….

I felt fluffy, out of shape and wanted to get back on track. The first 2 weeks were easy as my motivation levels were high. I enjoyed all of the fresh food although eating out was very difficult when places weren’t flexible with their menus.

The final 2 weeks were much more of a struggle. I really missed plain yogurt, cheese and quinoa which normally form part of my everyday balanced diet. I ended up slipping a couple of times (one of which consisted of half a bag of kettle chips and 5 chocolate hobnobs but let’s not talk about that…) because I got frustrated that I couldn’t join in on family celebrations and eat some of the delicious food that had been prepared. Plus I was definitely over eggs. So many eggs.

All in all, after 4 weeks on the paleo diet, I hadn’t really lost any weight but I do feel leaner. My energy levels didn’t drop too much and I even managed to figure out how to bake paleo cookies to satisfy any sweet cravings. I think this diet would be good for those who want to build lean muscle but because of the higher fat content (from nuts, avocado etc.) it might not be such a good weight-loss diet.

However, I’m going to keep aspects in my diet, such as the healthier paleo treats and the morning smoothies.

Next up, the 30 day pescatarian challenge… GOODBYE MEAT!

Be:Fit London - my highlights

April 1, 2024 / No Comments

Last weekend was Be:Fit London, a 3 day health and fitness event aimed purely at women.

Now, as a woman who is just starting on her health and fitness journey and is somewhat confused by all of this talk of macros, protein bars and tabata, I decided it would be a useful thing to go to. And it was.

I recruited my mum (who has been doing pilates for the past 15 years and has dodgy knees) and my friend (who is getting fit for her June wedding) to come with me and so, dressed in our snazziest workout gear, we headed down to Old Billingsgate Market on the Thames.

As soon as you walk in, you’re assaulted by a huge number of companies giving out tasters and wanting to talk to you about their products. It was a little overwhelming so here are my highlights:

1) Chia Pods - I’ve heard a lot about this supposed wonder-seed but have never found them cheap enough to warrant trying them! These little seeds soak up a lot of moisture making you feel fuller for longer as well as giving you 10% of your daily Omega3 as well as 25% of your daily fibre. And they taste pretty satisfying too!

2) Quest protein bars - These are everywhere online and everyone keeps talking about the #chunkporn… So I had to find out for myself if they’re as good as everyone makes out. I got 2 free samples, the cookies and cream bar and the peanut butter supreme bar. They’re very sweet which is good if you’re having a sugar craving but they still have that slightly synthetic taste of protein which puts me off. Still, for 180 calories, 21g of protein and only 3g of carbs you can do a lot worse.

3) Eat Water - This company is tagging along on the back of the supposedly miraculous Zero Noodles which are calorie free noodles and pasta. Eat Water’s offering is made from the konjac plant from Asia which contains high quantities of soluble fibre meaning that it’s easy to digest, keeps you feeling fuller for longer and prevents some fat from being absorbed. Mixed with a simple tomato and vegetable sauce, the testers that we had at the event were delicious! The texture is a bit weird as it’s nothing like pasta but for a quick low-cal meal (only 7 calories per serving!!) mixed with some sauce and protein these are a great idea.

4) The Reebok Fitness Studio - Be:Fit paired up with Reebok to provide 30 minute tasters of some of the hottest classes around. Seeing as we’d done a killer PT session that morning and we were totally preoccupied with trying as many freebies as we could, we only made it to one class! We tested out The Body with Carly Newson which was a hardcore hiit class that didn’t stop for the entire 30 minutes! Within seconds we were sweating and our legs were groaning as we worked our way through a strengthening routine to pumping music. 30 minutes later, we staggered out and had some frozen yogurt to cool down.

I would definitely come back next year although I would come with a bit more of a plan as to which classes to do and then explore the stalls in between each session.

Details

When? March 2015 TBC

Where? Old Billingsgate Market, EC3R 6DX (TBC)

How much? £18 per adult although you get a £5 ticket for a friend if you buy full price. Bargain!