My Diet and Lifestyle Tips

Good morning fellow bloggers!

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Who is looking forward to the bank holiday on Monday?…

THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE!

Not only do I get a free day off, but I’ve also snuck in two more days off, so a five-day weekend is heading my way (internally screaming).  Does my boss know I’m not in? No…Am I looking forward to his reaction when he realises I’m not at my desk? Hell yes (even though I won’t be there to see it…shh).

What are your plans for the bank holiday weekend? 

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How many of you are always up for trying the latest diet trends?

How many of you feel like you’re constantly on a diet?

How many of you feel like giving up because you’ve tried everything, but nothings working?

Let me ask you this then…are you being completely honest with yourself?

I have been trying to stay healthy and make good lifestyle choices, but in my mind I know I could’ve been that little bit better. I can empathise with how difficult it can be to find foods that are interesting and tasty. No matter how many products are brought out onto our supermarket shelves and make health benefit claims, they always seem a bit too green for me…not very appealing.

What’s the next step?

For some people, the gym is not an option, but if it is, then even by going once or twice a week it 1. is more than you were doing before and 2. is a great starting point to build up from. If you hate the thought of sweating and working out in front of people then I highly recommend connecting your computer to your TV or getting the YouTube app on your TV. Why? The amount of exercise videos on there are insane. There’s no need for you to go out and buy one of these cringe DVD’s made my a ‘celebrity’ that used a PT to get fitter.

What do I recommend?

I personally, from experience find that HIIT work outs are the most effective.

HIIT is a training technique which involves intense bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by varied periods of low-intensity active rest, or complete rest. HIIT can be a great option for staying in shape when time is an issue, as you can get an amazing fat-burning workout in 20 minutes or less.

So, if you want to get great results from only a short work out, then this is the one for you. I have been doing the Joe Wicks (Body Coach) one which is available on YouTube.

Don’t feel bad about having a cheat day!

Everyone needs a balanced diet to function. Depriving yourself of the foods that contain higher fat percentages is actually more likely to make you gain weight when you may have them in the future. Maintenance is key! Having a day where you eat some ‘bad’ foods keeps your body used to digesting them. Remember, calories are your energy source, cutting them low and limiting your intake is damaging.

I have a cheat day every Saturday because it’s the first day I’m not at work so there’s nothing to distract me from snacking…unless I’m shopping. Allowing myself this day then curbs my cravings for sugary, fatty, salty treats. Do I feel better for it? Yes actually, I don’t get that guilt after eating a doughnut, or half a bar of chocolate because of the good work I’ve done all week.

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Moral: If you feel like there’s no where left to turn, go back a few steps and see what could be changed to alter your path ahead!

What is a Waist Trainer?

Good morning fellow bloggers!

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If you didn’t see my first guest post yesterday, find it here. I am on a few journeys to achieve various goals in life and one I have always struggled with is my weight. You know when you look back at your old self and wish you still looked like that, but when you did look like that you didn’t like the way you looked? That sums up my experience so far. I would describe myself as one of the fussiest eaters in the world so I particularly struggle with finding meals that are healthy as well as filling I would like…don’t we all.

One way I do boost my work outs however is by using a waist trainer. I received a comment yesterday about not knowing enough information about them as a whole. However, if you would also like to know more about them, please visit a previous post I made where I explain this. Find it here.

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That’s all for today my blogging buddies, I’ll see you tomorrow!

Guest Post – Waist Trainer UK

Good morning fellow bloggers!

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Today I present to you my first guest post. I have been going back and forth with Gemma who is a mum to two children and has recently changed career from accountancy to internet marketing. She runs Waist Trainer UK and writes a blog as ‘Mummy’s Waisted’, which features family life and small business hacks.

If you didn’t know, I have been on my own path to becoming healthier, fitter, slimmer, toned…and the rest. When I train I like to wear a waist trainer to enhance my work outs and give me the shape I desire. However, mine is coming to the end of its life and I don’t have a clue how to go about finding a new one. Gemma has kindly written a post for us all to help anyone who is in the same boat as me.

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How To Choose a Waist Trainer

If you’re new to waist training, or looking for a new product to try, the range of options can seem intimidating. Here’s our tips to help you pick the right one for you:

Body Shape

Waist trainer brands do vary in terms of sizing, and the body length of the garment. So it’s really important that you measure yourself properly, and honestly, and check out the individual manufacturer sizing guidelines. Measure over and under your bust, around your waist and at the top of your hips, and record your measurements in both centimetres and inches.

If you are under 5’4 then Ann Chery is a good brand to try as they do come out shorter. If you are very petite, it may be more comfortable to get a waist trimmer belt as these are much narrower. Check for one which has integrated boning so that you get a similar effect to a waist trainer.

If you are tall, most brands do offer a ‘longer torso’ option (try BVOO). If you have a full bust, it may be more comfortable to choose a waist training vest with adjustable straps, as this will provide more support. Look for ‘wear your own bra’ styles though, so that you’re not too squashed in (check out FeelinGirl).

Goals

Think about what you are trying to achieve with your waist trainer. If you want to lose more than a couple of inches from your waist, choose a style that has three rows of hook and eye fastenings, rather than two rows. This means that you can cinch in more and more.

If you are looking for comfort rather than inch loss, a cincher may be a better option as they don’t have the steel boning. A waist trimmer without boning is another one to try if you’re looking for inch loss; these create a ‘stomach sauna’ as you exercise to increase perspiration.

Lifestyle

The standard number of steel bones in a waist trainer is nine, although there are some brands which offer a 25 bone option for maximum compression and inch loss (the Yianna black latex waist trainer for example).

If you are going to wear your waist trainer mostly to boost your exercise plan, there are plenty of sporty workout styles available in bold colours. Alternatively, you can find waist trainers in bright or patterned fabrics such as the Ann Chery animal print version. If you want to be discreet, there are plenty of plain options available.

Be prepared to have to hand wash your waist trainer, and dry it away from a direct heat source – on an airer rather than a radiator.

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Gemma’s links:

Waist Trainer UK

Facebook – @trainingyourwaist or https://www.facebook.com/trainingyourwaist/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/waisttrainer_uk

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I want to say a big thank you to Gemma for writing this post for me and I hope it has been of use to those who are looking for something to make their training more effective.

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If you would like to write a collaboration post with me and think we have similar interests, then please get in contact! Either leave a comment in this post, message me, or email me!

Healthy Mind, Healthy Body!

Good morning fellow bloggers!

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A quick update carrying on from yesterday’s post. So to sum up what’s been going on since one of my family members was diagnosed with cancer… Yesterday she went in for life changing surgery and so far we have heard positive news from the nurses. To be honest my stomach made its way back up to the normal position after it dropped hearing the news last week so it’s looking good at the moment. If you haven’t read the post yet, you can find it here.

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Onto some more uplifting topics…(slightly) 

If you didn’t already know, I’ve got a week off work next week and I’m absolutely buzzing…yes I’m going to say it everyday until it happens so you’ll just have to deal with it….here’s a clue though….

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I find that when I plan to book a day or a few days off work I need to make the most of it as I’m limited on how many I have left to take. However, even if I just fancy a day off I will do it because having that down time where you don’t have to set your alarm, you don’t have to rush in and get bored with your journey every day and most of all you can do whatever you want (within reason) is soooo important. 

My older brother hasn’t taken a day off in the last four months which, to me is absolutely crazy and I don’t know how he’s still functioning. What I have noticed however, is how his stress levels are now slowly increasing day by day. Sometimes, even if you feel like you’re on top of everything, others will realise the changes before you do. Being stressed at work quite often results in snapping at the small things at home which obviously creates unnecessary tensions between you and your family…not ideal let’s be honest.

How do you deal with the stresses of work life? 

As I said before, taking the days off that you are entitled to are a great start to relieving that pressure so you don’t burn out. I know how it feels to have your boss/bosses looking over you, expecting you to perform above and beyond your job description. Even when you love your job, things can become overwhelming and you must remember, you’re only one person and you know your limits.

It’s completely normal to be a bit stressed after a hard day in the office, but is it fair to take it out on those around you at home? Not really.

Keep your energy levels high! Quite often we can find ourselves in a rut when it comes to diet and exercise. With such little time to prepare a healthy meal, relax, sleep and get back to work it can be so easy to just get a McDonald’s or order in a takeaway. I understand how hard it can be to fit it all in, but I have managed to personally persevere and get into a routine of preparing double the amount for dinner so I have enough for lunch at work the next day. Not only does this take off the pressure and time you would have spent making something in the morning, but you also benefit from that healthy boost midday.

Making sure you get enough sleep is something a lot of people overlook these days. It’s just as important as a healthy diet. Sleep allows your body to regenerate and enable you to start again the next day. Get rid of those shopping bags under your eyes, and YES it does also help with weight loss so I want all of you to go to sleep and shed those pounds!

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Moral: Healthy body, healthy mind…It works both ways people! Be smart and go to sleep!

Jelly Legs!

Good morning fellow bloggers!

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Monday is here again and I’m not happy about it. Let’s start a petition to cancel Mondays…all in favour?

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Today I feel like a jellyfish…yes a jellyfish. Why? You might ask. Well I’m glad you did because here it is (you have no choice).

Jellyfish pic

Over the weekend I was finally able to join the gym again. I had to give up going last year due to having surgery on both of my feet. However, now I am well, and fit enough to go and get back into my healthy lifestyle. Sometimes these unexpected events crop up and stop us from doing the important things we had as part of our routine. I won’t lie I was thrown off the wagon and was being dragged by my heels for quite a while. Enough is enough I’ve climbed back on and I’m firmly strapped in.

At the start of this year I changed my diet, flipped it upside down. From a whole multi-pack of crisps and all the doughnuts I could get my hands on until I was stuffed, to smoothies, chicken, fruit and veg. A big change can shock your body, but in a good way to boost the weight loss you might be desperately looking for. For me there was no better time than the start of the year. I could really set out some clear, realistic goals and I can happily say that I am over a stone down…BUZZING!

I would say the key point here is being realistic and making changes that are sustainable for you. If you set your aims too high you are more likely to revert back to your old ways. In the back of my head I always heard my boyfriend saying ‘It takes around 3 weeks to settle into a new routine’. Perseverance and determination allowed me to change myself for the better and I’m well into my new routine. I have a way to go yet, but finally I feel like I’m going in the right direction.

Back to my jellyfish statement…

So I went to the gym both Saturday and Sunday. I thought, I’ll ease myself into this I don’t want to be falling over the next day. Half an hour on the bike and ten minutes on a stepping machine. OH MY GOD I CAN’T FEEL MY LEGS! I mean, I did push myself a little, but I didn’t expect to be trembling today.

TMI WARNING!

Not only was it my legs, but my butt is killing me from the solid bike seat too…sorry not sorry.

I do like the pain though because I know I’ve worked hard and I should see results soon enough…hopefully.

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Moral: Don’t let things get in the way of you achieving your goals, be patient and your time will come!

Take a Break

Good morning for the second time today my fellow bloggers!

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Do you often feel overwhelmed with work, home life, growing up or any big changes in your life? I’m starting to understand how you feel…

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What are the pressures and stress’ in your life?

Personally, I’m still learning how to cope with these, but I have started taking measures to help myself relax a bit more and not let them get the better of me. Currently, my main stress’ revolve around work because I have a lot of pressure to make things correct with no room for error…it’s quite a lot of pressure for a 21 year old. I also feel some sort of pressure on where I want to go with my job/university course, whether I want to become chartered as an Architectural Technologist or continue studying to become an Architect (huge decisions to be made very soon). 

What do I do to keep a level head?

At the moment my main way of chilling out is simply by sitting down with a warm drink, comfort food and watching my programs I’ve recorded on TV. However, this is the lazy way and I want to find other forms of relaxing even if it doesn’t involve sitting down for hours. For example, I cannot wait to get back into the gym when I’m fully recovered from a recent foot operation. You may be thinking ‘I couldn’t imagine anything worse, that’s not relaxing at all’. I find that just sitting on the exercise bike with my earphones in listening to music, or a podcast really gets my endorphin’s going and makes me feel amazing even after a long day. Wearing yourself out is actually a great way to relax because when you get back home you’ve released all the energy and stress through exercise so now you can just sit and actually do nothing…(you also get a great work out).

Something I really want to try is meditation, yoga or even aquarobics! Not only do you get to wear cute leggings, but I think it gives you the time to clear your mind and focus on yourself for a moment. Ignore the world around you and balance your energies. I’ll look into this more when I finish my placement, I want to put a bit more time into it and I think it’s more of a ‘during the day’ kind of activity, or in the morning (if you have the time). I’m a bit of a water baby so I just love floating around in a pool, and doing exercise whilst submerged in my favourite liquid just sounds awesome to me! (I realise how weird that sounds).

What if I really don’t have the time for this?

I always think to myself that If don’t have time for something I’ll just do it another day, but I never really end up doing it! In reality I can be a bit lazy because really, I do have the time if I put the effort in…you make time for the things you want to do don’t you. I think we should all try and find a new way of relaxing ourselves, even try a new activity and add it to your daily or weekly routine. I feel so much more accomplished when I do more with my day and time.

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Hope you all enjoyed this little post, once I get started I can’t stop!

Moral:  There’s always time for things you just have to prioritise your life!

Results

Good morning peoples! How was your weekend? …I may have caved to having a creme egg, but I felt bad about it and I won’t do it again…(that means it’s okay, right?)

Anyway, I’m coming to the end of my first month trialling my new healthier lifestyle. What is keeping me going? Mainly the pair of really expensive leggings I couldn’t fit into four months ago that I tried on again yesterday which now fit! RESULTS!

Physically seeing results is one of the best feelings knowing all your hard work is actually paying off and you’re doing something right! Not only do you see results in a healthier you, but in anything…a business’ turnover, studying for your exams, building new relationships…anything you’ve worked hard for will give you the results you’re hoping for.

 

I suppose the main thing is perseverance. Without it, how would you achieve anything? At first obviously you may not see any changes straight away, and I think this is where a lot of us go wrong. I always struggled to stay on track with eating better, and this is the first time I have seen any real changes in myself. My motivation is sky high at the moment.

How have I managed it? Why is this time different? ….Well taking it slow is a key factor in this. I haven’t been able to go to the gym because I had two operations on both of my feet about a month ago and am still recovering, however I have been doing what I can. Easing yourself into something is the best way to achieve goals you want to be long term. Once my feet have fully healed I will then go back to the gym and give myself that boost to really start showing my hard work. Typically in weight loss your rate of losing slows down as your body becomes used to routine. This is why when dieting you must make it a lifestyle change that you can uphold rather than a temporary boost. So..once I see my body getting used to my new eating plan, I will push myself in the gym to keep it going.

 

Moral: Slow and steady achieves results!