tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40612896533494575722024-03-05T19:41:04.213-08:00Get Fit With StinaA healthy living, eating, exercising blog...Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-58816585649649244462013-06-19T12:45:00.002-07:002013-06-19T12:48:06.324-07:00Super Healthy Low Fat & Low Carb Dinner - Macros / Calories Included<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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50g Spinach, 200g Eat Water Slim Noodles, 1 Boiled Egg White</h3>
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230g River Cobbler Fillets grilled</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEGtdnOYsvUM6hc56Cr6u2UzVXVWD30c6atpZlEf0oAgOpOfUTvzyrPXie0l2AYzIrp3yBMvXDgKD_1CkwUQQ_SHj0hX9R7YaQzKQf8YZL4qPNVuya-sS_UKSDtyfC6oAbSJhMI80b3Rl/s1600/IMG_0522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #c27ba0; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEGtdnOYsvUM6hc56Cr6u2UzVXVWD30c6atpZlEf0oAgOpOfUTvzyrPXie0l2AYzIrp3yBMvXDgKD_1CkwUQQ_SHj0hX9R7YaQzKQf8YZL4qPNVuya-sS_UKSDtyfC6oAbSJhMI80b3Rl/s640/IMG_0522.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="426" /></a></div>
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Place fish on foil in the oven & grill for 20 mins on 200 degrees (add herbs & lemon)</div>
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94g Aubergine & 100g Asparagus grilled in George Foreman grill</h3>
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Yum Yum 298 calories dinner, the noodles & fish makes it filling, yet a very fresh dinner to have.</div>
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The macros counted for this dinner are as follows:</div>
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47g Protein</div>
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8g Carbs</div>
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6g Fat</div>
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All the ingredients used and calories they contain (Taken from My Fitness Pal)</h3>
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I hope you enjoyed this post - if you ever want to ask me anything please feel free to email me on stinas1choice@gmail.com x</div>
Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-79376970950664999982013-06-16T12:59:00.000-07:002013-06-16T12:59:02.596-07:00My Weight Lifting Routine & Common Weight Lifting Myths Busted.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've decided to share my personal journey into lifting heavy iron.. And no I am not talking about the elusive Breville thing that lives in my cupboard for about 363 days of the year, I am talking about the big bad boy irons in the gym.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Guns!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As many, many other women out there, I had been living in an exclusive cardio world for a decade, by that I mean; turning up at the gym, plonking myself on a bike / treadmill and slaving away, bored out of my mind for a good 45 minute, followed by some very half hearted machine assisted weight training, which I never actually performed heavily enough to feel any real gain/pain, and that was probably mostly due to the fact that I was knackered from the cardio workout beforehand. I had never even considered venturing in to the free weights area, this area belonged to the big scary men, who would surely laugh and stare and point at me, for daring to enter their territory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I worked out. I did. And I enjoyed the feeling it gave me, mostly psychological, the feeling of knowing I had "been good"- and by being good, I then "rewarded" myself (everyday) with lovely foods. Really what happened to my body & appearance was nothing - I never saw any changes, my arms, belly, legs just stayed the same. I didn't think of what my goal was or what I wanted to achieve I guess I was on auto pilot, and just exercised out of a fear of turning fat..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My health took a huge turn (for the worse) a year or so ago, and a lot of things changed and ultimately these events led me to desire becoming the fittest and personal best shape and health I'd ever been in, so started looking to the internet for inspiration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To cut a long short, I began (slightly reluctantly, at first) a weights ONLY routine on 1st march 2013, 14 weeks ago & have lost 15 lb since then.</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOb9WqJBS_83CslQp-NzA47Q1d0OWeLDoCJfJKH2HlKXzKEAgyhPPwWOg2FZXllITY-N1b9OrXv8Fm46xZTjnu1BW-GxAGLJf9Pm4c5NqcnoXsGB0oDreK3rPlDdiAmpXYPybKGTqsBUAp/s1600/IMG_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOb9WqJBS_83CslQp-NzA47Q1d0OWeLDoCJfJKH2HlKXzKEAgyhPPwWOg2FZXllITY-N1b9OrXv8Fm46xZTjnu1BW-GxAGLJf9Pm4c5NqcnoXsGB0oDreK3rPlDdiAmpXYPybKGTqsBUAp/s400/IMG_3004.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My routine is an<b> All Body Workout</b> with free weights and I perform this workout <b>3 times a week</b> on Monday, Wednesday & Fridays. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first benefit to using full body workout programs is that there is a much lower time requirement to perform them. If you're someone like myself who has something on the go every day of the week, it can be hard to fit in a four- five day-a-week gym program.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since full body workouts can be performed over the course of just two or three days a week, this allows more time for other obligations life. (kids, work, house work etc)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Depending on how you structure the full body workout program, you may find they do take slightly longer in the gym to complete, but when you consider the overall weekly time commitment they require, you'll still end up much further ahead than with other programs such as the upper/lower body split routines.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This routine suits me perfectly, gym is now fun & challenging, I have aims and goals and since week one I have seen results and believe me, doing weights for 14 weeks have seen me lose 15lb of fat, gain a sixpack stomach and a sculpted body, something that 10 years of doing cardio never even came close to achieving.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>10 weeks into the program</i></span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I will post & share my full workout routine at the end of this post.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>But Let's Bust Some Common Weight Lifting Myths </b></span></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Myth #1 Women don't want to be big & muscly like men.. </b>Wellll, d<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">ue to the fact that women do not, and cannot, naturally produce as much testosterone (The main hormones responsible for increasing muscle size) as men do, it is impossible for a woman to gain huge amounts of muscle mass by merely touching some weights. Unfortunately, the idea that may come to your mind is that of professional female bodybuilders. Most of these women, unfortunately, use anabolic steroids (synthetic testosterone) along with other drugs in order to achieve that high degree of muscularity. In addition, most also have good genetics coupled with an unbelievable work ethic that enable them to gain muscle quickly, when they spend hours in the gym lifting very heavy weights. Believe me when I say that they do not look like that by accident. Women who weight train without the use of steroids, get that firm and fit cellulite-free looking body that you see in most fitness/figure shows these days. </span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJd51nw9A__Fq0R8geMqMMT0HO86eSgxq6b9CB5Nnh3n_4BVhpTt2VTin0krLsFHw_Fv7-fPM9SBAqsLXnwnY7dEVRKkZQHqWPtIJO60pitXHtCN3PRHNB7MFNeAmY_rtu0Nvp9xQXrtL/s1600/IMG_3401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJd51nw9A__Fq0R8geMqMMT0HO86eSgxq6b9CB5Nnh3n_4BVhpTt2VTin0krLsFHw_Fv7-fPM9SBAqsLXnwnY7dEVRKkZQHqWPtIJO60pitXHtCN3PRHNB7MFNeAmY_rtu0Nvp9xQXrtL/s400/IMG_3401.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi, I'm Steve..</span></b></h3>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Myth #2 Women only need to do cardio and if they decide to lift weights, they should be very light. </span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First of all, if you only did cardio then muscle and fat would be burned for fuel. You need to do weights in order to get the muscle building machine going and therefore prevent any loss of muscle tissue. Women who only concentrate on cardio will have a very hard time achieving the look that they want, and will probably never get that body they dream of (Believe me, I speak from a lot of experience) As far as the lifting of very light weights goes, this is just more nonsense (Sorry 2kg dumbbell fans) Muscle responds to (heavy) resistance and if the resistance is too light, then there will be no reason for the body to change. Lots of repetitions of low weights will not change your arms.. Trust me on that one..</span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidalfThpkNekOSei8KjiLosNt_aGFupQ21kXbGfkR7x2MLFRZX3ld7doyj0ridMzwAUbQ41BRsYlxwsOg6Ec2G_IJELxndjHYpnU-wuyyXa-wByzuW0Xi334KSdGQj6P-jld78RdzGplGA/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidalfThpkNekOSei8KjiLosNt_aGFupQ21kXbGfkR7x2MLFRZX3ld7doyj0ridMzwAUbQ41BRsYlxwsOg6Ec2G_IJELxndjHYpnU-wuyyXa-wByzuW0Xi334KSdGQj6P-jld78RdzGplGA/s320/IMG_3332.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Myth #3 I am afraid of the weights area, I am worried all the men will stare at me. </span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Ok strictly speaking this isn't a myth! Because this <i>does</i> happen, but my fellow females, please don't let that be the reason you don't set foot near the squat rack! If a man stared at you in the bakery section of Waitrose, would you be afraid to pick up a bun? I bet you'd just stare back, do what you had to do, and get on with your day. Apply the same rule to the gym. These men don't own it, and BELIEVE ME I was scared & worried the first day I set foot in the weights area, but I was determined not to allow myself to be so foolish, so set upon following my program (that I had printed out and taken along with me). I kept my headphones in and my head down, and yes they looked, but once they had seen what they wanted, they got on with their own stuff. And from that day it just got easier & easier, and now all "The Guys" know me, and even though I don't actually engage in conversation with any of them, they all nod, and some even save the squat rack for me, as they know that's my favorite place. So ladies, persevere</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, it's honestly not that scary.</span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7NbXREOZMQJKXzH3UThlwyurrybCK0bk3F91Jgca07pjEO5qTdVnwaw4bLr7ORbtq_uu0SFTNwF3frIbFfxJFaGItqtTEx-2fW-9wmwUBmmw98edsDOC570AsdswNl45Y99uJwuotdEr/s1600/IMG_3408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7NbXREOZMQJKXzH3UThlwyurrybCK0bk3F91Jgca07pjEO5qTdVnwaw4bLr7ORbtq_uu0SFTNwF3frIbFfxJFaGItqtTEx-2fW-9wmwUBmmw98edsDOC570AsdswNl45Y99uJwuotdEr/s400/IMG_3408.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I may be little, but you don't scare me!</span></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Myth #4 I need to lose the excess weight, before I start lifting weights. </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">But.. Why? No, no this is not true and yet I hear this literally everyday from women..</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">There is absolutely no logical reason why women think this, and I wish we could kill this myth, ban it, lock it up, stamp all over it. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">Think about this logically, if weight training and muscle building increases your metabolism, and helps your body to burn fat faster (all the time, even at rest) then W H Y would you chose to do it a different way? It will help speed up your weight loss and there is no reason whatsoever for your to wait till you have reached your desired weight on the scales, before you hit those weights. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>*To lose weight you need to mostly address your diet, but that's another blog post..</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Top Left Before picture!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>There are some major health benefits to weight / resistance training</b>, not only do you see that fat that you've been fighting for so long suddenly come off, but also the more muscle you gain, the faster your metabolism works, so the more fat you burn, so you will see you get leaner & leaner, the more you lift.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You decrease your chances of getting osteoporosis</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You feel a major increase in self confidence</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mental strength improves as physical stren<span style="line-height: 13px;">gth</span> improves</span></div>
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Your risk of diabetes, stroke and heart attack decreases</div>
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You'll be better at, well everything. Cleaning your house, climbing stairs, picking your kids up.</div>
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Your mood will improve and you'll handle stress a lot better.</div>
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You will finally see your body take shape, that gorgeous sculpted look that cardio will never achieve</div>
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You'll have a sharper focus, and find lots of tasks a lot easier to perform.</div>
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You'll sleep better</div>
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You'll stand taller, have better posture & carry yourself better. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Pi7SnJ0p-H5eZTvaWPnrcuzPC3K3R3PHBdg-UsOhJO3_6ACwZhtyd68wepA9CIUxbF_ofJzOxU_FfuIFJRxtObUCVf3bXqnmGpiAZk1JfyYXJ4O5WJGnt4ctbqteTL0fLCPEGfDbYcmO/s1600/IMG_3860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Pi7SnJ0p-H5eZTvaWPnrcuzPC3K3R3PHBdg-UsOhJO3_6ACwZhtyd68wepA9CIUxbF_ofJzOxU_FfuIFJRxtObUCVf3bXqnmGpiAZk1JfyYXJ4O5WJGnt4ctbqteTL0fLCPEGfDbYcmO/s400/IMG_3860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Me & my fellow lifting girlfriend, mummy & superwoman :)</b></h4>
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<b>Here's my program (alternate A and B workout) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRygN8UYwnRcbvcIxZxdnOF45Hg1kW0QPm__pQelJek_hkqHBn8-SOgE8Ro4iVWMm9NjE3Cpc9ZI9fXk0lt2jbL_uwhyphenhyphenwXe7Be_h53_toQst4EvpoTO_wJJS_qNvkSUo59cTCYHsfaAU5H/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-16+at+17.41.27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRygN8UYwnRcbvcIxZxdnOF45Hg1kW0QPm__pQelJek_hkqHBn8-SOgE8Ro4iVWMm9NjE3Cpc9ZI9fXk0lt2jbL_uwhyphenhyphenwXe7Be_h53_toQst4EvpoTO_wJJS_qNvkSUo59cTCYHsfaAU5H/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-06-16+at+17.41.27.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7FEvRHUIj0PcWRxrHwmy8T3aOp2_j33w31Itvk-Y145B-A_e5xlND44DfsDNqJ2vzqE_9MISxI6LYUDzCicvj7oJlQoczPR3XYbxsNGtFkXeqxjPxx_YxV1NE8o-1H6CEtagq6dSnLF-/s1600/IMG_3574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7FEvRHUIj0PcWRxrHwmy8T3aOp2_j33w31Itvk-Y145B-A_e5xlND44DfsDNqJ2vzqE_9MISxI6LYUDzCicvj7oJlQoczPR3XYbxsNGtFkXeqxjPxx_YxV1NE8o-1H6CEtagq6dSnLF-/s320/IMG_3574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Now..</b></div>
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I hope you found this helpful, and that all of this made sense to you. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at stinas1choice@gmail.com or contact me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicBeauty_" target="_blank">Here</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span></span><br />
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I'll do a full blog post on my daily diet, calorie intake and macros this week :)</div>
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Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-87035718717637547922013-02-12T09:30:00.003-08:002013-02-12T09:30:48.202-08:00Josie Gibson DVD Give Away :)<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello Lovelies,</div>
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Long time no see :)</div>
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Well I have had a pretty awful 12 months health wise and keep thinking I am now on the mend, only to find that -- I wasn't.</div>
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I have a lot of fitness related posts I would like to post, so keep an eye out on here for those..</div>
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In the mean time I am doing a little give away on Twitter today- where you can win the much talked about Josie Gibson DVD called 30 second slim (Josie also posts her meals on a section on the DVD)</div>
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All you have to do is follow me on Twitter </div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ChicBeauty_" target="_blank">Here</a></div>
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And RT my tweet about the giveaway and I shall chose a winner tonight around 11pm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoWRRjrUIJuYtwM4y-KYGGeL0FGXcQL_pGEn8EYykAM_Yokh0xnn5EvISIh6QZHHf29853QU1sKpOelPLcw_6kKgVWJMbKyRCaivCDv9_9xhwMhfKcWONkBZpF6U-ARcwA-8D_BDHfz4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-12+at+16.19.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoWRRjrUIJuYtwM4y-KYGGeL0FGXcQL_pGEn8EYykAM_Yokh0xnn5EvISIh6QZHHf29853QU1sKpOelPLcw_6kKgVWJMbKyRCaivCDv9_9xhwMhfKcWONkBZpF6U-ARcwA-8D_BDHfz4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-12+at+16.19.33.png" /></a></div>
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Speak to you all very soon x</div>
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Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-36023515585645642842012-10-19T13:06:00.000-07:002012-10-19T13:06:54.823-07:00Friday Dinner, Grilled chicken with wild rice & vegetables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOhxIGqhL7VR6DOLlfqUo0e6ovcwruyoRr8v2VIkihWvpNU07Ue5YDgp8CSw_cr0pY15xNLDPW6MT5D1W9rwhL2bFqfDgf1pvn0rI-jcXV3pE5PMRMJFFYn26EAkX7NPRYDobTajQPVM/s1600/IMG_0348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOhxIGqhL7VR6DOLlfqUo0e6ovcwruyoRr8v2VIkihWvpNU07Ue5YDgp8CSw_cr0pY15xNLDPW6MT5D1W9rwhL2bFqfDgf1pvn0rI-jcXV3pE5PMRMJFFYn26EAkX7NPRYDobTajQPVM/s400/IMG_0348.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Spinach, Asparagus, Wild Rice, Chicken breast, Baby Courgettes</h3>
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Some of the ingredients for my dinner tonight, which I have to say was delicious but way too big, the dinner picture I have posted here, I didn't even manage to eat half of that and I was completely full to the brim.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYmpEYlaqrykTi5HMQLZy9NiqTnhb7dxKaQLj9cyxbqCojQsbAbdFa7B9n5w6XoiimbqsUZOs1xutHB2V-L7OAjXWJ-TJ6p2ohnyhPen3uOzZvlk5Qi-WcpwlnUifL5Y-wGzdb_8OJg8/s1600/IMG_0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYmpEYlaqrykTi5HMQLZy9NiqTnhb7dxKaQLj9cyxbqCojQsbAbdFa7B9n5w6XoiimbqsUZOs1xutHB2V-L7OAjXWJ-TJ6p2ohnyhPen3uOzZvlk5Qi-WcpwlnUifL5Y-wGzdb_8OJg8/s400/IMG_0351.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Baby Courgettes (Yum!)</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTFI9mLTDG99hVoHMwinbHHWPt54T16Q-6ke9X9S8Ca_4KGri3N3qUjHtvvmIhx9QhiggaHz1KSm3b1ZkcC1a1-2nqGhFkO2sKL4XfZBnzt2Awg3ORnfdNDQtzxmPFdgbEp2_JCpF6tE/s1600/IMG_0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTFI9mLTDG99hVoHMwinbHHWPt54T16Q-6ke9X9S8Ca_4KGri3N3qUjHtvvmIhx9QhiggaHz1KSm3b1ZkcC1a1-2nqGhFkO2sKL4XfZBnzt2Awg3ORnfdNDQtzxmPFdgbEp2_JCpF6tE/s400/IMG_0353.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Wild Rice </h3>
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(Note: Wild rice needs to cook for up to an hour, so I decided to mix it with ordinary rice and it was done in 25 minutes)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYZgDMp7NHqsjDU8r169oKFOxcTuPW9FLY1E4jJFsxW_pnKYalsUZN0p7-9rRAgGBTUUYaDPhJsZlidaKVVR9GSuD9dK5G_5tfcxjWV13y15VT51h7oR88tzFrPq4IujkMh2zeQeSvZA/s1600/IMG_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYZgDMp7NHqsjDU8r169oKFOxcTuPW9FLY1E4jJFsxW_pnKYalsUZN0p7-9rRAgGBTUUYaDPhJsZlidaKVVR9GSuD9dK5G_5tfcxjWV13y15VT51h7oR88tzFrPq4IujkMh2zeQeSvZA/s400/IMG_0358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
The Finished Dinner</h3>
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What I used:</div>
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2 chicken breast fillets (of which I could only eat one..) - I coated this lightly in soy sauce & teriyaki and grilled them for 4-5 minutes in my George Foreman grill.</div>
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1/4 cup of dry rice - boiled in 2 cups of water, boiled 25 mins.</div>
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A bowl of 1 handful spinach, broccoli stems, asparagus and baby courgettes, all steamed in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes in very little water.</div>
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4-5 plum tomatoes with pepper on.</div>
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And voila- healthy and extremely filling, no additives, just fresh loveliness :)</div>
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Like I said, I could only manage half of that plate full, all those vegetables filled me up a lot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18bmgEs_glp6tnbrPppZEUVBNDJ36JcVtYFc4MwbhxqX4DK_JC3aaEnCAg1vlllKOdgRUHYSuNryd8_A6zNvGdUfPxQU7pz6Ib2ogmZ03Q3IGTGrdRrhMi5nPhbTdgaxUpkZ_nduIfJ0/s1600/IMG_0359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18bmgEs_glp6tnbrPppZEUVBNDJ36JcVtYFc4MwbhxqX4DK_JC3aaEnCAg1vlllKOdgRUHYSuNryd8_A6zNvGdUfPxQU7pz6Ib2ogmZ03Q3IGTGrdRrhMi5nPhbTdgaxUpkZ_nduIfJ0/s400/IMG_0359.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I might do a little post on what my boys had for dinner as that was really yummy too and both polished it off in no time.</div>
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Thanks for looking and if you have any questions - pop them below or find me on Twitter @chicbeauty_</div>
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<br />Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-55449022286763247912012-10-18T13:32:00.000-07:002012-10-18T13:32:01.128-07:00Eat Clean- Get Lean- What's for dinner?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXULpyGeK7wGupGu1L9XYmJCQjeEgZRBikLi93fvObHTcejZEbxk398fkZfjycwCozm9OMYGvYNLTRWsL4cxbCDeIPQCzDKmc8a6kifMEJb_hl_A17JNQQNq78mXqhE7Cx4DEPbH-dd5Q/s1600/EatClean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXULpyGeK7wGupGu1L9XYmJCQjeEgZRBikLi93fvObHTcejZEbxk398fkZfjycwCozm9OMYGvYNLTRWsL4cxbCDeIPQCzDKmc8a6kifMEJb_hl_A17JNQQNq78mXqhE7Cx4DEPbH-dd5Q/s640/EatClean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Dinner Tonight</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi all, I haven't been here for a very long time, ironically mostly because all my free time I spend at the gym, so not much time to update this and my other blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having been toying with the idea for a while to change my blog up a bit, I thought what better way to start than to post a little bit about what I eat to stay healthy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit that gone are my days of counting calories and worrying about that, instead I focus on eating good, non-processed foods and I try to practice a lot of positive thoughts, some of which are to do with being healthy, and my mindset has changed for the better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are interested I shall keep a food diary here, as often as I can, it inspires myself, and in turn if it can inspire one or two other people, then that's a major bonus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonights dinner consisted of:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thai Green Spice Mix tossed with brown rice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">King prawns</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pak Choi & chopped baby cabbage</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Orange & Santini tomato salad</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steamed asparagus</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was totally delicious and I am full now..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I fancy anything later I shall have an orange and a herbal tea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you again soon for the next food update :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until then, be well x</span></div>
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Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-60004773764185375572012-02-17T03:25:00.000-08:002012-02-17T03:25:37.207-08:00Gym update, measurements revisited 2 weeks on.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Morning </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you're all keeping well?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I thought I'd update you a bit since posting two weeks ago; I went full steam ahead at the gym and with my diet, I went to the gym every other day or in fact I had a pretty good week where I actually went 5 times and then last weekend -BAM- hit with the worst bout of illness I've had in years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know one of those where every muscle and every joint hurts, your skin hurts and light hurts- yes that! You feel as if you've done a round with Tyson and lost bitterly! Not great and I had to put gym on hold as I couldn't even physically drag myself off the sofa!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to the Doctor, got told I had a chest infection and am now on antibiotics.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
Anyway my lovelies, I digress..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXipBfdCRCRzaHQassu9hNtS064zfLpEehnNA8JBV3Byp9UBseqAq0Opo35miRDEumHMylPLFuGtjioJuKZ0YUxHWuqqDbEpnlXb4OhBnzONnGaMjyK7EXJDKPUSssY8PYGl-QnmpD_nM/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXipBfdCRCRzaHQassu9hNtS064zfLpEehnNA8JBV3Byp9UBseqAq0Opo35miRDEumHMylPLFuGtjioJuKZ0YUxHWuqqDbEpnlXb4OhBnzONnGaMjyK7EXJDKPUSssY8PYGl-QnmpD_nM/s400/photo+(2).JPG" width="143" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, trying on gym gear but actually there is no way I can go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No strength at all for it sadly so I shall sulk with daytime TV and wishing for the day I feel well enough again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>I decided to re-visit my measurements today </b>as it's been two weeks since I did my first lot, and despite not having been able to go I am still dedicated to eating the right food and sticking to 1200 calories per day which I track on <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">my fitness pal</a> which is a fantastic online weight loss and exercise diary- check it out it really is most delightful to use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This morning the old fashioned measuring tape came out and I have to say I was rather delighted with the results and I shall show you why below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Measurements on the left are from 2/2/2012</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Measurements on the right are taken today 17/2/2012</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333;">Right bicep: 27.5cm - </span><b><span style="color: #333333;">Now 27cm = </span><span style="color: red;">loss 0.5cm</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333;">Chest at nipple line: 90cm- </span><b><span style="color: #333333;">Now 89cm = </span><span style="color: red;">loss 1cm</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333;">Waist at belly button: 77cm- N</span><b><span style="color: #333333;">ow 74cm =</span><span style="color: red;"> loss 3cm</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333;">Hips at bone: 90cm -</span><b><span style="color: #333333;"> Now 88cm = </span><span style="color: red;">loss 2cm</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333;">Right thigh: 58cm - </span><b style="color: #333333;">Now</b><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><b><span style="color: #333333;">54cm = </span><span style="color: red;">loss 4cm</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #333333;">Right calf: 37cm - </span><b><span style="color: #333333;">now 35cm = </span><span style="color: red;">loss 2cm</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Total loss in cm 12.5</b> - <b>or 5 inches</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><br />
</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Weight: 148lb - </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Now 144lb =</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: red;"> loss 4lb </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The gym appears to be paying off and I am loving it and can't wait to get back there and work up a sweat :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-5784208205666634522012-02-06T12:10:00.000-08:002012-02-06T12:10:03.510-08:00I've joined a gym - here're my measurements & program.<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Long time no see. Well that is because I have been a bit of a lazy one of late, but when it got to a point of me not liking to look at myself in the mirror naked, I had to take action and by pure fluke and chance I found a gym that has a creche- so I can put my smallest son in there whilst exercising. Lack of childcare had been my No 1 and only reason for not joining a gym in the last 2 years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So here we are- I joined 9 days ago and so far have managed to go 5 times, today included.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It does take some organisation skill to organize and remember to book the creche in advance but I want this to work out so much that I have alarms in my phone to remind me to phone up and book slots for little man.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So really my aim is to lose 1 stone, but more importantly than that I just want to look and feel leaner and fitter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My aim is to go every other day and mainly focus on all round body workouts each time, with the majority of the time and efforts spent on doing weights, with bursts of cadio.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Obviously I am only going to achieve my goal with a healthy diet so this is also changing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll show you what I did today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have got myself a notebook, a measuring tape and a good dose of willpower and have worked so hard in the last week I have really felt every muscle work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To give you an idea - I have decided to post all my measurements here, and use this is a journal, and feel free to take ideas if you want.. Obviously just make sure you're fit to do so beforehand.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGsewtjgXIJhifQt0QPpdmlaM1UnemVoPZHnKuATe-qXeeb6BOSPY1XRnKFmnk33PXjfVhT-Bfy5tNFr_70n61bLRbNcu3ppkpIZyExmpA1EXeZcogNy1DKXGftoJ73wYgBsMNUoEJl4/s1600/feb+iphone+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGsewtjgXIJhifQt0QPpdmlaM1UnemVoPZHnKuATe-qXeeb6BOSPY1XRnKFmnk33PXjfVhT-Bfy5tNFr_70n61bLRbNcu3ppkpIZyExmpA1EXeZcogNy1DKXGftoJ73wYgBsMNUoEJl4/s320/feb+iphone+105.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me right now.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Height: 5"6</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Weight: 10st 6</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Right bicep: 10.5 inch</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Chest at nipple line: 35 inch</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Waist at belly button: 30 inch</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Hips at bone: 35 inch</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Right thigh: 22.8 inch</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Right calf: 14.5 inch</span> </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My exercise routine for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays is as follow:</b> ( Rep = repetitions)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">*Leg press 40kg - 12 repetitions X 3 times</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Shoulder press 7.5 kg 12 rep x 3 (This is very HARD)</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Leg curls 15kg 12 rep x 3</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Upper back 10kg 12 rep x 3</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Low row back 15kg 12 rep x 3</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Chest press 10kg 12 rep x 3 (very hard on last repetition)</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Tricep pull down on cable 20kg 12 rep x 2 (Can't physically do anymore as arms were BURNING)</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Lat pull down 20kg 12 x 3 (hard on 12th rep)</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Back extension 15 kg 12 rep x 3</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Pectoral press 10kg 12 rep x 3 (Very hard in last set could barely do the last 2 reps)</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Dumbbell 3kg lateral raises all done whilst lunging 12rep x 3</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">*Biceps 3kg dumbbell 12 rep x 3 all done whilst doing squats </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">20 minutes on cross trainer -hard- out of breath / sweating. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">On floor ab crunches 12 x 2 </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After that I stretch out and leave the gym.</span><br />
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I plan to go every Saturday or Sunday too and mainly on this day have a long stint of cardio, as I can't really do weights on the weekend as that will mean I am doing it straight after a day of weights or the day before weights- so weekend will be cardio, I like using a machine called The Wave, which really gets my heart pumping and sweat pouring.<br />
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I can't wait to feel and see the results and more than anything else I am LOVING being back in the gym again - I have missed it way more than I'd realized, it gives me such satisfaction and pleasure setting foot in a gym (saddo, I know)<br />
<br />
So YAY- really exited for this new journey- anyone else joined gym recently?Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-10574734585068436032011-12-01T13:25:00.000-08:002011-12-01T13:25:58.507-08:0030 day ab challenge results.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you all had a good November?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a challenging one, in more ways than one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My 30 day ab challenge on the whole went OK. There were days where there simply weren't enough hours in the day, and days where I was sore, so I didn't do any work. I was OK with doing my exercises - it was the food side I struggled with. Much as I keep telling myself I want to and need to eat GOOD, I do fall in with both feet now and again (too often).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I am happy with my shape and weight now, so I need to live and be able to eat what I want in moderation (or at least that is what I have convinced myself).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have plenty of new exercise DVDs that I shall continue doing and a new Swiss ball that I do my ab crunches on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reebok-Gymball-DVD-Champagne-65/dp/B002KMK53S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322774557&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Swiss Ball Linkage</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcdPWgjWYYyEbZKM0N14fZGNevbMrsczlafNPJWJHMrKTuCUSih0HsU9_E4S8241viLvOnBBsMb1Um5V6AG6XgcNvOXHqaFZ3-7zHpO_RKwKs3QMga-JzOQBgU42PbcEMjjhyKbBevV8/s1600/%252330dayabchallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcdPWgjWYYyEbZKM0N14fZGNevbMrsczlafNPJWJHMrKTuCUSih0HsU9_E4S8241viLvOnBBsMb1Um5V6AG6XgcNvOXHqaFZ3-7zHpO_RKwKs3QMga-JzOQBgU42PbcEMjjhyKbBevV8/s320/%252330dayabchallenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">L: before- R: after</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not the biggest visual difference when standing like that, but when I lift my arms in a certain way (I know, so natural) I can see the six pack but there will always be a nice protective layer (of fat) over them -but my stomach has flattened down and my love handles at the back (jeans over spillage) has gone too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have in total gone down by 5lb from 1st November - 30th November.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a hard challenge and I am not sure I can commit myself to any other monthly challenges, as it felt so long and I wanted to have a break as I've been so busy with life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I am keen to see how all the other Team 30 Day Ab Challengers got on, so I am off to stalk their blogs now :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was wondering what kind of posts would be interesting on this part of the blog- perhaps some fitness DVD reviews?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speak to you all soon xxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stina </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-90609349784860052052011-11-10T14:38:00.000-08:002011-11-10T14:38:46.220-08:00Day 10 of the 30 day ab challenge.. How am I doing?<div style="text-align: center;">Hi all,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been busy with the beauty part of my blog, so it's been so difficult to update here as well..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have *mostly* stuck to my pledges to myself and I have done workouts every other day..</div><div style="text-align: center;">I could have been better with the food, but saying that, most days I do eat lots of raw vegetables and I do drink my water.. I think I need to have a little word with myself - and tighten up on the food side of things..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have made a little video for you all, just telling you how I've been getting on and a general ramble :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3zr6rUrv8eE" width="420"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy ;)</div>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-37776323077042415902011-11-02T15:13:00.000-07:002011-11-02T15:13:29.936-07:00Day two of the 30 day ab challenge & what I ate.Evening :-)<br />
<br />
Today we had a rest from the grueling ab workout of yesterday - I can assure you that the workout Melissa had filmed for us was NOT EASY. Half way through I screamed and cried (Well you get my drift).<br />
It was a killer.. It shattered me and I went to sleep at 11pm and didn't wake again till 8am. 9 hours sleep for me is UNHEARD of.. I usually average 4-5 hours per night.<br />
<br />
Today is a day of rest for those poor abs (even if it hadn't been a rest day I couldn't have done it again- abs are in agony today..)<br />
<br />
So on Mel's advice I kept my posture in check today and walked tall and proud and went for a long walk with my very heavy toddler in his pushchair, up and down hills.<br />
<br />
Day Two <a href="http://thrutheblue.me/2011/11/02/stay-woke/">thrutheblue.me/2011/11/02/stay-woke</a><br />
<br />
<b>My food today has been as follows:</b><br />
<br />
Breakfast- 30g of porridge oats mixed with hot water and topped with 1 sliced banana<br />
<br />
Snack: small handful of almonds (No more than 10 or so)<br />
<br />
Lunch: Humous and celery sticks + 1/2 a whole grain pitta containing lean ham slices & 1 boiled egg.<br />
<br />
Snack: Raw radishes & a couple of chicken slices<br />
<br />
Dinner as pictured<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI3fy8wud5zsFYhoWwTbl0gO0leF46_HKW2EiqsV2Rt19-pnpzJvIFFe4qosTEv6SL8_yiIU3j2yUrHCXlNCNcSWAOzft0ynq_M7b4e5tq44TPTng3rZM6t6DOA3yJs_HvjzIDok3efI/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI3fy8wud5zsFYhoWwTbl0gO0leF46_HKW2EiqsV2Rt19-pnpzJvIFFe4qosTEv6SL8_yiIU3j2yUrHCXlNCNcSWAOzft0ynq_M7b4e5tq44TPTng3rZM6t6DOA3yJs_HvjzIDok3efI/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Spinach / Beetroot / Goats cheese salad</b></div>This salad consisted of:<br />
fresh spinach<br />
cherry tomatoes<br />
cucumber<br />
radishes<br />
baby corn sliced<br />
goats cheese<br />
topped with seeds<br />
<br />
Afterwards I had a 0% fat active danone yogurt. And I made sure I drank 2 liters of water today although today I had sparkly water as I prefer it to still.<br />
<br />
This was a very yum food day and when I have felt the need to snack I have eaten raw veg!<br />
<br />
So far so good and I am now "excited" to see what tomorrow brings xStinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-53650362114441497022011-11-01T07:47:00.000-07:002011-11-01T07:50:44.852-07:00Day 1 of my 30 day challenge- menu and exercises.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hi all,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So today is the day I kick start my 30 day abs challenge..</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I didn't get off to the best start as I realised when getting into my desk at 9 am I hadn't had breakfast- this is mainly due to the fact that I never eat breakfast AND I left the house before 7am -so simply forgot.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyway at least I had my lunch with me which I will share with you here for a very filling and tasty option.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I actually feel like what I had was too much as I felt SO full afterwards, but looking at the portion it seemed a normal lunch type portion.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What I had was Warm Beetroot and lentil salad, and here's how it's made and what you need to make it.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="module-header" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h2 class="ingredients" style="color: #6fb163; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></h2><h2 class="ingredients" style="margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fb163;">Ingredients (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">serves 6- but I'll split it up and have it over a few days.)</span></span></h2></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><ul style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 table spoon olive oil</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 red onion, chopped</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 garlic cloves, crushed</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 x 400g cans brown lentils, drained, rinsed</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">450g can beetroot wedges, drained</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tablespoon red wine vinegar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">80g baby rocket leaves</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">180g feta cheese, cut into cubes</span></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQQN_jiu3tmvF0iZstHJg296z0bXSjhl2CYLPI_b9JKdhzxILYlzvUrGHz7j68Iz9LY-dkbSOTDekS_wzbvZgytbRRGX18wfhWTMoYBy-uvQgM_VIqWBIj1Mxhh1Oj6sia5ruCOSj7Wg/s1600/1594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQQN_jiu3tmvF0iZstHJg296z0bXSjhl2CYLPI_b9JKdhzxILYlzvUrGHz7j68Iz9LY-dkbSOTDekS_wzbvZgytbRRGX18wfhWTMoYBy-uvQgM_VIqWBIj1Mxhh1Oj6sia5ruCOSj7Wg/s320/1594.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><br />
<br />
<div class="module-header" style="background-color: white; color: #666354; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h2 class="method" style="color: #6fb163; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 25px !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Method</span></h2></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><ol id="method" style="list-style-position: inside; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="font-weight: bold; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10px;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat/ or use frylight as I do. Add onion. Cook for 2 minutes or until softened. Add garlic, lentils and beetroot. Cook for 1 minute.</span></div></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10px;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Whisk together remaining oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper. Add to lentils. Toss to coat.</span></div></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10px;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Combine rocket or spinach, feta or goats cheese (optional) and lentil mixture in a bowl. Toss gently to combine.</span></div></li>
</ol><div style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Very delicious and so filling..</span></div></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have some pineapple slices, 1 banana and 2 apples to eat too at some point. Oh and a bag of pumpkin seeds.. They are so tasty!</span></div></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tonight I'll get home late sadly (I work on Tuesdays and Thursdays) so it'll be 7.30 pm maybe even 8pm before I can think about dinner. </span></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I want to do a workout tonight followed by day 1 of the abs challenge exercises, as Melissa from <a href="http://thrutheblue.me/">http://thrutheblue.me/</a> has kindly posted as a video here <a href="http://youtu.be/Gp1SFEHBXYI">Abs video</a> - so in terms of food I am not really sure.. </span></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think I have to rethink my meal routines on the days I work. Today I will grab a banana near 6pm so I have some fuel for my work out and then possible a vegetable soup later. </span></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="module-content" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I have so far had 1 litre of water but fully intend to finish my 2 litres by the end of the day- and there endeth my Day 1 #30DayAbChallenge post- I shall update you all on how much that video kills me - because I *know* it will..<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666354;">.</span></span></span></div>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-84773456892128711682011-10-30T13:44:00.000-07:002011-10-30T13:44:01.186-07:0030 day Mind / Body and Abs challenge - WILL SHE DO IT?<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi all,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been gone for a while from this part of my blog, and it's mainly been due to lack of hours in the day.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In an ideal world I'd love to be able to post here regularly, exercise regularly, eat sensibly all of the time, as I am only too aware of what happens to me and my body and my mood if I don't make the right choices.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not 100% happy with my shape at the moment, and although I fit into standard 8-10 clothes all over, I feel I am so un-toned and just *soft* for lack of better way of describing it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have personally always preferred to be toned and fit and have been known to have a six -pack stomach at various stages of my life an</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> even though I have 2 kids I don't accept that as an excuse to myself for NOT looking my absolute best.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have decided to part take in a "30 day Ab challenge" run by Melissa from </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thrutheblue.me/2011/10/27/30-day-ab-challenge-my-motivation-commitments/">thru the blue blog</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melissa is a fitness fanatic (whom I used to work with in a gym many years ago) who ran half a marathon this year with a group of girls from Twitter formed by the lovely <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/BangsandaBun">@BangsandaBun</a> and when she tweeted about it recently I thought here's my cue to make the month of November the month where I get back on track and get those abs back in shape!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There really is no excuse for me, I know I am capable of being a lot fitter - but sometimes lazing about in the evenings and wasting time of Social Media sites is a much preferred option!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My inspirational picture would have to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">be this of Anna Kournikova.. Yes please!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6o3dqReWcNFCx2ECtC1X0tyIt6A2cjnGKjTJp21gcXOXRggOU6Cfi8p8ZpgWffxBszm8w7mJBKFW2Y_o30SIHHOXYNf88IjIIgGWA3ud3fxMhXzrAH-c0vzf7AaRzHBVGvJ2ghEJW70/s1600/ss_AnnaKournikova.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6o3dqReWcNFCx2ECtC1X0tyIt6A2cjnGKjTJp21gcXOXRggOU6Cfi8p8ZpgWffxBszm8w7mJBKFW2Y_o30SIHHOXYNf88IjIIgGWA3ud3fxMhXzrAH-c0vzf7AaRzHBVGvJ2ghEJW70/s320/ss_AnnaKournikova.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>She's got a fab body, abs of steel yet still maintaining a girly feminine look</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SO NO MORE EXCUSES!</b> I hate excuses and I hate when I hear myself making them!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am the only person holding me back and I cannot excuse myself anymore.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So Mel will be running the 30 day challenge through her blog and Twitter and there is a group of us who've committed to taking part and we'll be following a grueling abs routine for 30 days and tweet and blog about it, and keep each other motivated </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have decided that as well as doing the abs challenge I will change my food & general exercise habits for the month of November, and obviously hope that the the good habits stick after November. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If anything I'll be in great shape for Christmas parties ;)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Tomorrow morning I will take a before picture of my stomach- depending on how that looks I may or may not post it here. </b>(I may wait till I have the after pictures so I can post them together ;) )</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My promises to this challenge are:</span></span></b></span></div><ol style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To put in my all 100% to this challenge! I shall not let the team down!</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zero Tolerance. On the banned list will be Pasta, White Bread, Simple Carbs, Cakes, Chocolate, Fizzy Drinks, Crisps, Sugar, Cheese, Biscuits, Processed foods, Any carbs after 3pm, Sweets….</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clean & wholesome eating. Fruit, Vegetables, Greens, Salads, Protein Rich, Low-fat, Complex Carbs, Nuts & Seeds.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will complete 45 minutes high intensity cardio workout (at home) 4 times a week.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will follow the abs challenges and tasks given to me/us and not cheat- after all I'd be cheating myself.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will not binge on ‘Indulgence Sundays’ – One treat only, not a whole day of binging!</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will not drink any alcohol AT ALL (This will be the hardest for me actually)</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">I will NOT make excuses! None. If I do- smack me! Virtually..</span></span></span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will drink 2 litres of water as standard, daily, I already have 4 bottles waiting in the kitchen, I intend to finish one per day!</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will eat breakfast daily, even if it is a tiny portion of porridge with water (I have never eaten breakfast as I tend to eat majority of my food really late at night)</span></li>
</ol><div style="color: #333333; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">So all there is left to say now is -WISH ME LUCK- Join us if you want to - all the details are right here:<a href="http://thrutheblue.me/category/30-day-ab-challenge/">thru the blue.me/category/30-day-ab-challenge</a></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I shall be posting about my progress here and definitely on Twitter as <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/ChicBeautyBlog">Chic Beauty Blog on Twitter</a> - Ciao for now x</span></div><br />
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</div>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-61807581432345893532011-10-27T07:31:00.001-07:002011-10-27T07:32:10.226-07:00The Bottom line is.... Slendertone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzDv1FCFyVpojVvr0uWMCCnqKI_L1zrO4A0cg-NSWnJnhmp2raYYwpsKG3e-aSHO8k7UHNqWJnU-7qbb95Z4x2zfmgBXajlZMy6P3_SsgAPQjGksvHOleosjz1AvXAgzI6QwfEWtZSj22/s1600/2slendertone+27-10-2011+12-58-36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzDv1FCFyVpojVvr0uWMCCnqKI_L1zrO4A0cg-NSWnJnhmp2raYYwpsKG3e-aSHO8k7UHNqWJnU-7qbb95Z4x2zfmgBXajlZMy6P3_SsgAPQjGksvHOleosjz1AvXAgzI6QwfEWtZSj22/s320/2slendertone+27-10-2011+12-58-36.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Slendertone Bottom Device</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>As women we all have issues with our bums!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Either you have one that is too large, too flat, too hanging, too protruding- we're just never happy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9leQ7lvTJWSSnznQPeVgiEz1sgrv6wxITnhYGEDY15eFfnzRjxkm8vhJHPNLgiIObVN0c_ChYaPEAX1GBFVy0pcZvGunb9D6qb5GIT23NOi5EjIQYe1XybrCz465S5F5QccE_5fS5BO-/s1600/bum1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9leQ7lvTJWSSnznQPeVgiEz1sgrv6wxITnhYGEDY15eFfnzRjxkm8vhJHPNLgiIObVN0c_ChYaPEAX1GBFVy0pcZvGunb9D6qb5GIT23NOi5EjIQYe1XybrCz465S5F5QccE_5fS5BO-/s320/bum1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Slendertone Bottom </b>is a fab invention for <strike>the more lazy</strike> people out there who want a fantastic looking bottom but who just can't find the motivation nor time to exercise (I do mostly include myself in this..)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It all sounds so simple - you pop on some shorts for 30 minutes a day and sit down and wait for your bum to take shape, whilst getting what feels like electric shocks in your bottom (Apologies if this sounds rather rude..)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmWtZkMSuky5gUlc8LHqdb3-lPdRKg6ftirXxRY3gjapkYTtfeDRjFRYenG-d5JkaT5uje4_-66Wt2Mgo9C73MK5112Tx6dCNtK_7007Ch4DDTq6LgNvhWNEon6wvGIGs8x7bPec1zmSn/s1600/1Slendertone+27-10-2011+12-49-05+27-10-2011+12-49-05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmWtZkMSuky5gUlc8LHqdb3-lPdRKg6ftirXxRY3gjapkYTtfeDRjFRYenG-d5JkaT5uje4_-66Wt2Mgo9C73MK5112Tx6dCNtK_7007Ch4DDTq6LgNvhWNEon6wvGIGs8x7bPec1zmSn/s320/1Slendertone+27-10-2011+12-49-05+27-10-2011+12-49-05.JPG" width="203" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Here are the shorts in action</b></div><br />
I'll be honest, the first thing you need to be in possession of when proceeding with your shorts is <b>PATIENCE. </b><br />
There are four flaps at the back that open up and have sticky pads attached. You need to get these sticky pads to stick to skin only and they need to be perfectly aligned so they don't touch the shorts, and that in itself is rather tricky when all of this takes place - err behind you! But you know, as with everything practice makes perfect and one you have all the four sticky pads stuck to your derriere, you're good to plug in to your electrocuting device..<br />
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But - <b>No Pain No Gain</b> - as they said to me when I was having my two 9lb babies (I didn't really appreciate the quote at the time.).. But it is true in this instance!<br />
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Now is where the fun begins ; You plug the shorts into a tiny remote control type device where you can adjust the intensity of the electric shocks (please bear in mind I am using my own words here.. I am sure there is a technical word for it, but no-one would really understand that)..<br />
The shocks come in waves so you get 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off- this goes on for 30 minutes.<br />
You can chose a shorter program, but believe me once you're IN the shorts, you may as well go for the full 30 minutes. After the effort of putting them on - just leave them on for the 30 minutes, honestly!<br />
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The intensity is marked 1-100 and at first level 50 was AGONY! At each wave of electrocution I'd literally <b>*GROAN*</b> out loud, I couldn't help it, but after a few times use I got used to it. It feels like someone is giving you a deep deep tissue muscle massage- really painful in a bearable way.<br />
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</b><br />
<b>Does it work then I hear you ask:</b><br />
Well in my opinion : Yes it does..<br />
They do not make you lose weight or make your bottom look like the one in the picture <i>BUTT </i>they do firm up the bottom muscles and make it firmer and rounder (in my personal experience)- and just more.. <b>PEACHY!</b><br />
The general look of my bottom is better (this post is actually making me chortle) - my jeans look better on and so on.<br />
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</b><br />
<b>What I will have to say though:</b><br />
Do<i> not </i>expect this item to work if your plan is to sit on your bum eating cream cakes and watching Eastenders omnibus- at the end of the day, as with anything - what you put in determines what results you get.<br />
And I have tried to eat healthily and drink plenty of water and do exercises at home as well as using it, but have got better results whilst using it than I normally would get from exercise alone.<br />
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All in all I love my <b>Slendertone Shorts</b> and I urge you to try these if you have bottom issues (Noo, not of that kind..)<br />
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You can pick these up in Boots and other retailers or find the full description on the website which is <a href="http://www.slendertone.com/">www.slendertone.com</a>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-36138001890213503502011-09-19T14:43:00.000-07:002011-09-19T15:30:01.363-07:00The AMAZING 10 stone weight loss journey by my friend Lauren Mae<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Hi all my lovely readers- I am sorry I've been away.. I've had an incredibly hectic time.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE">I am back now and what better way to kick off with an AMAZINGLY inspirational weight loss story from my friend Lauren.. Lauren looks incredible now and it's so hard to believe she used to be double the woman she is now.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"><b>My chat with Lauren Mae is here- you will be TRULY amazed at her weight loss success..</b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Lauren is truly beautiful and also AMAZING at doing make up- I think we need Lauren to become involved in beauty blogging/ you tubing too!</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="DE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/37186_444718178499_501798499_5456302_3044494_n.jpg" width="300" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="DE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b>Welcome to Lauren Mae's incredible weight loss story.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="DE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE3MD_1n1A1S0NZcEM_JE6HyvUDHHgRUErqUW5riiY7stkDQQEtuqK7165ZA2a1fdXLwdNRhzqIzOL-77NsWvHjgPJwv8xyAWcKYhJiJkrwnwGiZ2uYe7Vhf0WNfNXw4ehTz27jeYb_Q/s1600/Laurenbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE3MD_1n1A1S0NZcEM_JE6HyvUDHHgRUErqUW5riiY7stkDQQEtuqK7165ZA2a1fdXLwdNRhzqIzOL-77NsWvHjgPJwv8xyAWcKYhJiJkrwnwGiZ2uYe7Vhf0WNfNXw4ehTz27jeYb_Q/s1600/Laurenbefore.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="DE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"><b>Here are some WOW effect pictures</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqtZXj7bYMsF9SiBtBY2DXBcgoMyPmDZTMhcMRDsudcG3TwXs4mlHo1PHskd5PGHxjVM9Swewv0DyPpJlwwymg9wKbH2QnD4ZKewKicPgY-1fprLypDaFXIcjt_680GsjRYzZTeCWebo/s1600/Laurennow_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqtZXj7bYMsF9SiBtBY2DXBcgoMyPmDZTMhcMRDsudcG3TwXs4mlHo1PHskd5PGHxjVM9Swewv0DyPpJlwwymg9wKbH2QnD4ZKewKicPgY-1fprLypDaFXIcjt_680GsjRYzZTeCWebo/s320/Laurennow_n.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><span lang="DE"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="DE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="DE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b>Lauren as I know her now- stunning!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Lauren has a Youtube channel where you can follow her journey : <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/blueeyedbetty" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/user/<wbr></wbr>blueeyedbetty</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">1: Lauren, if you don’t mind, what was your weight before you started your diet? And what is your goal / what would you like to get to? Size wise or weight wise?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #993399; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">At the beginning of my weightloss journey I weighed 22 stone 7lbs and I was a size 28!! I am 5ft7 so I was classified as morbidly obese. I didn't start off with a goal size or weight because it would have been way too daunting, I didn't ever set goals for myself because they always made me go off track.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">2: What made you think “I want /need to lose this weight?”</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Leading up to my largest weight I was always happy but I really decided I wanted to lose weight to feel better about myself and feel more attractive and obviously for the health benefits too! I did have a couple of embarrassing "fat person" moments including not being able to fit into the Easy Jet plane seat and then breaking the steps coming out of the swimming pool on holiday!! I knew things had to change!</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">3: And how much have you lost so far?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #993399; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I have been losing weight for 3 years and so far I have lost 9 stone 8 lbs! (I did get down to 10stone lost but I don't know whether to say that I put on a couple of pounds but I am back on track!??)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">4: Did anyone recommend a particular diet to you or how did you decide what food to eat?</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Would you mind sharing what foods you eat in a typical day, snacks and everything, so we can get an idea..? How many calories do you aim for per day, if you count calories?</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc33cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">When I first started decided to lose weight my Mum bought Paul McKennas "I can make you thin" book. I was VERY sceptical about this as it sounds too good to be true, but it is fantastic! He teaches you great tips about eating what you want, eating slowly and stopping when you feel satisfied. This worked well for the first 4 stone of my weight loss but then I became tired and hit a wall. It was hard mentally to overcome the fact that I had come so far but still had SO FAR to go! I was in a job that I hated and became quite depressed so I went to see my doctor. She suggested that for quick and healthy weight loss that I give up major carbohydrates!! Baring in mind at the time they were my total diet so this seemed like an impossible task. Here is my diet:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc33cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Things I CAN'T eat:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Bread</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Potatoes</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Rice</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Pasta</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Noodles</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Fizzy drinks</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Processed food including cheese and meat</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc33cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Low fat foods or products (too many artificial chemicals and rubbish!)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc33cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Nothing naughty, no cake, chocolate, crisps, sweets</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc33cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Things I CAN eat:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Meat</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Fish</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Cheese</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Eggs</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Vegetables</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Fruit</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Milk</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Water</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc33cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I know that everything has carbohydrates in it but I cut out the main ones. I have salads everyday and I love them. I always have full fat dressing because I don't believe in making yourself hate the food you are eating, because if you hate the food then you are much more likely to fail.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc33cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">This may seem too strict or limited but everybody is different and in order for me to get results I needed to do this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="color: black;">5: And on this journey – you decided to join a gym too, am I right? How did that come about?</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Yes, I joined a gym when I first started losing weight January 2008. No matter what anyone says about losing weight the one sure thing is, EXERCISE IS THE KEY!</span> <span style="color: #cc33cc;">I was incredibly unfit when I joined and I was so embarrassed because of my size but I realised after a couple of visits that everyone is so paranoid about themselves nobody is looking at you.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">6: And how are you finding the gym? Has it helped? Do you like going?</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">The gym has really changed me because now my fitness and strength is through the roof and it would never had improved if I hadn't been working out through my weightloss. I would love to build up enough fitness to do a marathon!</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">7: In terms of yourself and your confidence – I bet you must have changed so much, from who you were to how you are now? Are you more outgoing for example?</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Suro</span><span style="color: #cc33cc;">prisingly en</span><span style="color: #cc33cc;">ugh it is a VERY scary thing losing this much weight because not only are you changing in your own mind, you are changing in other peoples eyes and you are learning to be a totally different person. When I was at my largest I didn't really go out, I would stay in and just eat, but now I can't get out enough! By the end of Monday I have already planned my whole weekend coming up!</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">8: What is the best thing about having lost all of this weight?</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">CLOTHES, I started shopping in plus size shops when I was about 16 so I have never really had the experience of being able to go into any shop and just buy clothes. It is fantastic!!</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">9: Do you ever cheat? Or have off days?</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #993399;">After I gave up carbs in March 2010 I didn't cheat for about a year and a half! Recently I have been having carbs occasionally as I am trying to slowly bring them back into my diet. I am being very careful though as it is a scary prospect.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">10: Where do you find all this will power and motivation? Personally I have to be in a *zone* and if I am not, I just can’t do more than one day and I’ll cheat!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #993399; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">You are exactly right. I have to find my "zone" when I am in it, I am unstoppable. I am tempted by things but never give in. I am very stubborn :-D</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">11: What about alcohol – do you drink? How do you count that into the diet? As we all know alcohol can be a sneaky one for calories..?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc33cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I love wine! Alcohol is something that I have never limited, I drink maybe once or twice a week. I never count the calories as it would scare me! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">12: You clearly look absolutely amazing now.. Are there any downsides to such a huge weight loss?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc33cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Thank you, the only downside is that I have some loose skin on my stomach that I am working on and my boobs have shrunk but in general I love my new figure!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">13: Have you had support from anyone, and did you find that it helped?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">My parents have been an amazing help, I </span><span style="color: #cc33cc;">go to the gym with my Mum at times and they help with with food as it is incredibly hard to keep up the motivation all the time.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">14: Lastly, have you thought about the future, and how you will keep the weight off? That is sometimes a struggle for some people (for me it is...)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc33cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It is another scary prospect but I would love to get down to my goal weight and take a course to because a fitness instructor or personal trainer. I would love to help others to reach their goals too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I just want to say a huge well done, you look incredible and I wish you all the best for the last bit of your journey.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">Thank you so much x</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I am sure people reading this will be as amazed as I am at Lauren’s fantastic achievement, and there might be comments below, if anyone has any comments & questions then I shall pass them to Lauren to answer.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">To follow Lauren Mae’s story – you can go here <span lang="DE"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/blueeyedbetty" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #3b5998; font-family: Tahoma; line-height: 12px; text-decoration: none;">www.youtube.com/blueeyedbetty</span></a></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; line-height: 12px;"> to subscribe to her channel </span><span lang="DE" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; line-height: 12px;">J</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span lang="DE" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; line-height: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/311218_10150301602828500_501798499_8071338_1411802064_n.jpg" width="237" /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b>Lauren & her partner in Lauren's old jeans!</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span lang="DE" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; line-height: 12px;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-89061959189345220652011-05-15T04:46:00.000-07:002011-05-15T04:46:15.654-07:00My weight loss so far- Week 1 of weighing!<div style="text-align: center;">Hello lovelies, I hope you've all been good, drinking your water and eating well?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, I seem to have found my mojo, I think writing this blog has really helped me to do that as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This week has been good for me food wise. I haven't had any cravings for bad food, and I have made sure I have had 2 litres of water everyday, 2-3 cups of herbal tea (caffeine free, otherwise I feel dizzy).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last week was the first week of me weighing myself-I'd been a bit scared to do so, as I went away over Easter and munched on a few too many Danish meatballs at my parents house, my waistline had definitely gotten bigger by the time I returned. Read I could barely close my jeans.. And whilst I could *just* do the button up, the muffin overspill was rather horrendous!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wore the same jeans yesterday and I felt so confident - there was no muffin top at the back!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So Anyway without further ado, I weighed again today, and have lost </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Four lb!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am rather pleased with that, as it is a good start and gives me motivation to press on for another week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What I have been eating lots of this week has been:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Matzos (crackers with virtually no calories in- yes they do resemble cardboard, but you sort of get used to them after a while.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Raw radishes, I buy a few packs, wash and trim them and just munch on them as snack- they're so crunchy Nom.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Apples- loads.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Salad with lots in like grapes, olives, celery, mushrooms- I LOVE a good salad and if you grill a chicken breast and cut it into slices and add, it's very filling as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So that's me, I feel like a lighter person, so here's to another weight loss week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Adios my lovelies x</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-64017691300435877832011-05-11T13:24:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:28:01.613-07:00What I eat to stay healthy- my daily diet.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey all- I am back :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had some really amazing feedback on this little page and actually a fair few requests for things people would like to read about. I think that is so amazing- that I (yes me??) am able to inspire some people.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the most requested post has been a post about what I eat.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am very much a believer now in that in life you have to have a balance. You can't be good and diet 100% of the time and still have fun and *live*.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I often find my social life comes in the way of me wanting a healthy lifestyle - but I do know that that has mostly been an excuse to keep stuffing my face with crisps and cream cakes ;)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think if you live your life with an 80 / 20 approach you can't go wrong. By that I mean that if you are good and eat well for 80% of the time, then you can afford to be a little naughty 20% of the time.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This approach has worked for me for years and years, so I shall keep following it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly after I had my second baby, I just had no real motivation to get my pre- baby body back, so he is now 1 year old and I still have at least 1 stone (at least I say, ideally I'd shed 1.5 stones).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People do say to me I look fine, and I know my shape and size is not un-acceptable, but I don't feel great in myself, which is the most important thing, isn't it?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I'll show you here what I keep in my cupboard and fridge and what I eat in a typical day, hopefully this will be helpful.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These things can always be found in my kitchen:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Protein</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicken</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lean ham</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crab sticks</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh or frozen fish such as salmon & mackerel</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">prawns</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuna - tinned in brine or water</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low fat yoghurt 0% with vanilla flavour</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low fat cottage cheese pineapple flavour (or any flavour)</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eggs</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Skimmed milk</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tofu - mince, burgers</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">low fat cheese spread, such as Philadelphia</span></li><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Vegetables </b></span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><br />
<menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Broccoli</span><br />
<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carrots</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green beans</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celery</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Radishes</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peppers </span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Onions</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peas</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweetcorn</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mangetout (Sugarsnap Peas)</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spinach</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mushrooms</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tinned tomatoes - plum, chopped</span></li><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fruit</span></b><br />
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<menu><br />
<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apples</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bananas</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oranges</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peaches - fresh or tinned in juice</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pears</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frozen berries</span></li><br />
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</menu><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Complex carbs</span></b><br />
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<menu><br />
<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brown rice</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whole grain bread</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wholeweat pasta</span></li><br />
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</menu><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seasonings</span></b><br />
<menu><br />
<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Garlic - fresh or minced (in a jar)</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chillis - fresh or dry</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stock cubes</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soy Sauce</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honey</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mustard - Coarse grain and Dijon</span></li><br />
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<li type="disc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vinegar - balsamic and wine vinegar</span></li><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fat free salad dressings</span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My average day would go something like this:</b></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><b>Breakfast</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">: Herbal tea & 1 piece of fruit (personally I can't eat in the morning)</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-style: italic;">Lunch</span> </b>: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Tuna and reduced-fat dressing salad with1 eggs & green beans. 1 apple & 1 little pot of pineapples.</span><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><b>Dinner</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">: Chicken cut into strips and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice; bowl of fresh fruit salad</span><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><b>Snacks and drinks</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">: Snack on raw celery sticks, radishes, carrots, apples. Drink water, diet coke, green tea and other herbal tea.</span></span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I like to have a little extra treat now and again, so I keep a box of very low fat ice lollies in the freezer, and have one as and when. Callipos have very few calories.</span></span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></menu><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdPxvzdliSaTQzhZ6SY5HtM37167GsC9wdLiAjmw2dKKR8cxWtwM4HwUQYK2ykBm3chiqSZpQhPOefFSwr6BO8a0o5nUFob0YAjzoYNimRUa-ZspIizOSBFSLFbEEzvtmCECTsPiz75w/s1600/healthy-meal-300x272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdPxvzdliSaTQzhZ6SY5HtM37167GsC9wdLiAjmw2dKKR8cxWtwM4HwUQYK2ykBm3chiqSZpQhPOefFSwr6BO8a0o5nUFob0YAjzoYNimRUa-ZspIizOSBFSLFbEEzvtmCECTsPiz75w/s1600/healthy-meal-300x272.jpg" /></span></a></div><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Of course that is one average day.. Some days don't go like this... In fact it can be hard being a mum of 2 small ones, and actually get time to make healthy food for yourself.</span></span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">So sometimes I do just grab whatever I can, but the key to stay on track here is to always have nice healthy option in your house, so you grab those rather than grab a bag of crisps.</span></span></menu><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAx8jPsR7Pt9qo_Ihc7RN2qgYm7KRyfGgxOMBsFwNLHEpimRZVAk3i7Ecmn-2uPxoXsKz018PeuLnTJ-7-jvMOQw6UqZ5zayBl6HT2Xd5U0-V_pPNJbkEYD6JBqgtZ5fsd8_vBt503ypE/s1600/first+day+at+reception+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAx8jPsR7Pt9qo_Ihc7RN2qgYm7KRyfGgxOMBsFwNLHEpimRZVAk3i7Ecmn-2uPxoXsKz018PeuLnTJ-7-jvMOQw6UqZ5zayBl6HT2Xd5U0-V_pPNJbkEYD6JBqgtZ5fsd8_vBt503ypE/s320/first+day+at+reception+012.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Me with my eldest son a few months after having my second baby (seen in the background)</b></span></div><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Even though my 5 year old is at school and I give him packed lunch, he never has crisps o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">r sweet things in his lunch, as I know if we ad those things in the house- well Mummy might just eat them.. (Whoops..) And of course also I want him to be healthy and fit and have a great source of energy for the long school day they have!</span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I make sure I always have things like Ryvita, low fat soft cheese spread, rice cakes, apples in the house so when the going gets tough I can still grab something fairly low in calories and fat.</span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I have a major weakness for crisps, and am not really a chocolate lover at all.. If I get cravings I tend to go for a bag of Walkers baked crisps, which are extremely low in calories and tasty. So in my life I still eat things I want, but try to chose the low fat options, it really makes a big difference I think.</span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">So that is me- I do hope that was somewhat helpful. Of course I could go on and on, but I don't want to bore anyone too much.. </span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">If you however would like posts on diet or food, let me know, I am happy to receive ideas and suggestions in the comments below.</span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></menu><menu><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><i>*Again I feel the need to say I am not a professional, but I do have long history of working in the health & fitness industry, dieting, exercising and trained as a personal trainer*</i></span></span></menu></menu></li>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-6729864568495287732011-05-05T03:25:00.000-07:002011-05-05T03:25:04.366-07:00My current exercise routine~ Strength training~<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone, and thanks for following this new project.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to update this with my current exercise routine that I am doing at home. I hope and pray that by beginning of July I can be 1 stone slimmer, and really toned and happy in my skin. As well as feeling better for all the water drinking.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>** DISCLAIMER**</b> <i>I would like to mention here that I am a qualified personal trainer and therefore have plenty of knowledge in that field. However- my advice and my blog is about how I do things, and without knowing you and your needs it is very hard, if not impossible for me to help any individually. Take from my blog what you wish- if I can inspire you, then my job here is done.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Monday & Tuesday I follow the Davina DVD </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCC9BW8LkI70SfDF5SGxmmRbZo6q4n9HQudeQPYCsMSSKV5MvA4Ciw3d-C8Hi68Gc1Qtix3JqUvBYKa97qRUjowPviekkO1kZZS0ddiy0fWDiskN9LvDi1NmcP-oI3uN6nhnSJ0sjS6E/s1600/body+buff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCC9BW8LkI70SfDF5SGxmmRbZo6q4n9HQudeQPYCsMSSKV5MvA4Ciw3d-C8Hi68Gc1Qtix3JqUvBYKa97qRUjowPviekkO1kZZS0ddiy0fWDiskN9LvDi1NmcP-oI3uN6nhnSJ0sjS6E/s320/body+buff.jpg" width="226" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love this DVD, if you're after a home DVD, get this!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A very good all round workout that gets your heart rate going and you feel the sweat. I don't find Davina annoying, which of course helps.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Uvzn5rS-KElfpPVghLyHco0D7rBHRcj-WYEc8TlpS-YtHn3fQ8gSxTFUrGr6RTipCmijC-RjjISyZePQm7qdEeuyWuSsFUwi0L4vElTZEAMyWkC4VjKS0jtpCklEdgTY3dZz52MsAMA/s1600/strength_women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Uvzn5rS-KElfpPVghLyHco0D7rBHRcj-WYEc8TlpS-YtHn3fQ8gSxTFUrGr6RTipCmijC-RjjISyZePQm7qdEeuyWuSsFUwi0L4vElTZEAMyWkC4VjKS0jtpCklEdgTY3dZz52MsAMA/s320/strength_women.jpg" width="247" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Wednesday and Friday I follow this book at home. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book is all about strength training for women, and how important it is.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cannot strength train a muscle today and tomorrow. I allow at least 24-36 hours of rest. Lifting weights on consecutive days leads to over training, muscle fatigue, and possible injury. Fact: All of our strength gains are made during the rest time!</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a set of dumbbells (well 3 sets, from Argos) and I use them so much.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book is fantastic, I have had it for a few years and find it a brilliant guide to make a weight training programme at home. It literally spells out to you how to do each exercise, how much to do, how often and so on.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0e63gjyeSi3bbD0HWnlcLEolE4ybD0UmgQPuzD_UknxLClHgJHYqgU7AVTHwwzE-9w_IighutrLPmiTO8BzcAa8OjgD0Sc-hUuwg-gc5qUl-hnNbJyZsDhVbLV5Nr6ysEcQO33e_Zh6A/s1600/fattyfattybumbum+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0e63gjyeSi3bbD0HWnlcLEolE4ybD0UmgQPuzD_UknxLClHgJHYqgU7AVTHwwzE-9w_IighutrLPmiTO8BzcAa8OjgD0Sc-hUuwg-gc5qUl-hnNbJyZsDhVbLV5Nr6ysEcQO33e_Zh6A/s320/fattyfattybumbum+010.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Wednesdays I focus on lower body and core, so I'll make a little programme up, that includes squats, lunges, leg raises, plies and abdominal crunches.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reason I do strength / weight training is that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px;">strength training is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px;"><em>absolutely essential</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px;"> if we wish to create visual changes in our bodies, and it's been proven that the benefits of strength training extend far beyond the visual.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL04Qyoh_wx4Ic1x54cE7SLODiNxYlbdVMlTf_8M5AGTpopgBukSTly15DNmN2M8G-0CZRGAcXcEy0btWhL2nOXx779F_BqpAuveV7Pj_pqUqAeenuKR-ZLyFUoy5PkaGxwUUK6ROJihc/s1600/fattyfattybumbum+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL04Qyoh_wx4Ic1x54cE7SLODiNxYlbdVMlTf_8M5AGTpopgBukSTly15DNmN2M8G-0CZRGAcXcEy0btWhL2nOXx779F_BqpAuveV7Pj_pqUqAeenuKR-ZLyFUoy5PkaGxwUUK6ROJihc/s320/fattyfattybumbum+012.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I use my dumbbells like shown in this picture, to make my workout a little bit harder.<br />
Years ago I used to be of the perception that weight lifting was for men, and I didnt' want big muscles- so I never touched weights. Instead I pounded away on the running machines day in and day out. Not overtly effective, but I wasn't aware at the time that w<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px;">omen can further benefit from strength training because of the increase in resting metabolism created by strength training. Because of this increase, women who are trying to reduce body fat will do so <em>more easily</em>. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When done sufficiently and consistently, strength training increases muscle fiber size. Once muscle fibers enlarge, they consume more energy - which boosts our metabolisms. So effectively this will speed up your weight loss, and you'll see results quicker.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGViPCYedh2TSXM4N76xBc1PmPMze0YVZ3fv7cRMvC181vhefJTDQdubZGjGW1Yz8lORtWKZ1aOa5O0lTyoETnp2Fx8veADNDTFjBEEC2RyeO_D36zaNWVMP6HGW6TRj5AWzAhb497pg/s1600/fattyfattybumbum+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGViPCYedh2TSXM4N76xBc1PmPMze0YVZ3fv7cRMvC181vhefJTDQdubZGjGW1Yz8lORtWKZ1aOa5O0lTyoETnp2Fx8veADNDTFjBEEC2RyeO_D36zaNWVMP6HGW6TRj5AWzAhb497pg/s320/fattyfattybumbum+013.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When squatting, I rest 2 dumbbells on my shoulders.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a note book in which I have written a programme for myself, using the book as a guide. I put in my note book how many repetitions I am doing and how many sets of X amount of reps. When I've done them, I tick them off and move on to the next exercise.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The benefit of working out at home for me is that A: It is free (apart from the initial outlay for equipment and or DVD) and B: I can watch TV at the same time.. Only joking - I don't watch TV much. Yesterday I used the time I was exercisign to catch up with Sky news. Well what am I if not a multi tasker?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAApwshtw1wn8yBPfFtglE8jM5md7GEz66e5GdtjgbBZm1Qt3-j5YUWM8QBq05pMWlXFrS2CE9CU_Gdc0jTy606FbBPRhttI1aHtLr9eqDzmwTj7z9k_05DszT8hnq1AbcuPfdQCeBA64/s1600/fattyfattybumbum+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAApwshtw1wn8yBPfFtglE8jM5md7GEz66e5GdtjgbBZm1Qt3-j5YUWM8QBq05pMWlXFrS2CE9CU_Gdc0jTy606FbBPRhttI1aHtLr9eqDzmwTj7z9k_05DszT8hnq1AbcuPfdQCeBA64/s320/fattyfattybumbum+014.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do straight leg raises, feel that burn in the back of the thigh- ouuuuch!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJx7cD-6HPLjTSC77AVeNTGyqX4RMk08f0JuOmMGN8GsZx4BcZFsCBgUQcKuup56q_RV8050R-GUCafj-EGrTlvF3xDiAuyH63OeebndidftcVuWqOdk5-X0625zmBR80SAHKOMAFyF0/s1600/fattyfattybumbum+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJx7cD-6HPLjTSC77AVeNTGyqX4RMk08f0JuOmMGN8GsZx4BcZFsCBgUQcKuup56q_RV8050R-GUCafj-EGrTlvF3xDiAuyH63OeebndidftcVuWqOdk5-X0625zmBR80SAHKOMAFyF0/s320/fattyfattybumbum+015.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And bent leg raises, this exercise is very good for firming up that bottom and it burns but in a good way..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Strength training does not be complex or really time consuming. It can fit easily your day/ evening, since it requires minimal equipment and time. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free weights such as dumbbells will all enhance muscular strength and endurance with as little as 20 minutes to one half hour a day. I think most of us can find 30 minutes a day? </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All major muscle groups need to be worked to avoid muscular and postural imbalances. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is recommended that you choose a weight or load that produces muscle fatigue somewhere between 8-12 repetitions of an exercise for the upper body, and 12-15 repetitions for the lower body. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After my weights workout I really ache all over and the next day I feel achey and stiff.. But for me that is a good thing - it makes me feel alive and like I have worked hard.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope this has been vaguely helpful or informative?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have any questions - you know where I am (I hope)- just leave me a comment, and I shall reply back in the comments section.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots of Love, Stina x</span></div>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-24558704757394911662011-04-28T05:15:00.000-07:002011-04-28T05:15:03.496-07:00Let's talk about water for our skin and health.<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Benefits of Drinking Water for Your Skin - We all want nice skin right?</span></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The benefits of drinking water for skin - and body - are numerous. It's true! We've heard it many times before... drink lots of water. But will water <i>really</i> improve the appearance of your skin? While not everyone agrees, according to the experts the answer is a resounding yes!</span><br />
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We know this, we really do- so WHY do we not drink water? Do we not want nice skin? Honestly it puzzles me- and I hope this post will help motivate at least a few readers to fill up on some of that lovely clean liquid we have free access to.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am personally going to make sure that water is a routine - just as brushing my teeth twice a day is.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscOUbEkwOQW8lEPzYlm3bEG3F5Qdb3XVl3Qx1y0YFgilrkBU4XTH50NQWNwrcn9X0f6loOjtb-jBjYaWVhZz19Vw-8JB5mNa4pBf-YASZagr4K-X0_wI3oFv3IhoBBbej0Pf8FUzblHA/s1600/lady_drinking_water_8gq7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscOUbEkwOQW8lEPzYlm3bEG3F5Qdb3XVl3Qx1y0YFgilrkBU4XTH50NQWNwrcn9X0f6loOjtb-jBjYaWVhZz19Vw-8JB5mNa4pBf-YASZagr4K-X0_wI3oFv3IhoBBbej0Pf8FUzblHA/s320/lady_drinking_water_8gq7.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Benefits of Water</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many people spend their days in a state of mild dehydration. Consuming far fewer fluids than they should. Water comprises approximately 60% of your body. It's basic for survival. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're stranded on a deserted isle, find drinking water first. It seems so simple, yet it is such a chore for a lot of folk!</span><br />
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<img align="right" alt="Drinking Water for Healthy Skin" height="280" src="http://www.naturalskincaresecrets.com/images/bottled-water33.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px;" width="186" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Skin is intricately tied to the overall health of your body. When your body is properly hydrated, you'll look better and feel better.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adequate water rewards you with...</span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enhanced health</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increased energy</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bright, clear eyes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A radiant complexion</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition, bloating and puffiness often disappear. How does this liquid work its magic? Behind the scenes, water...</span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carries nutrients to every cell in your body</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flushes out nasty toxins</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improves circulation and blood flow</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lubricates your joints.</span></li>
</ul><b><span style="color: #ff9999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water...how much to drink?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, so I take it you’re in?. You're now convinced of the benefits of drinking water for your skin and your health. But drink 8 glasses of water per day? Yikes!! just seems so much right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And- you may even need more...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are exercising, hot weather, and heated indoor air all cause your body to lose water. Increased water output requires increased water input.</span><br />
<center><table bgcolor="#FFCCCC" border="1" bordercolordark="#CC6666" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"><tbody>
<tr><td style="color: black; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Note</b>: Illness, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are special situations that demand greater fluid consumption.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Drinking <i>too</i> much water, however, may lead to a rare condition called hyponatremia. Marathon runners, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure and cirrhosis, are most at risk. Check with your physician for recommendations.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #ff9999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is water best?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consuming lots of fresh <a href="http://www.naturalskincaresecrets.com/fruits-vegetables-healthy-skin.html">fruits and vegetables for healthy skin</a> will satisfy some of your body's fluid requirement. A bonus is they are loaded with anti-aging anti-oxidants!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Count milk, juice, and other healthy beverages as part of your daily total. Try diluting fruit juice with sparkling water for a tasty drink with fewer calories. Relax with a soothing cup of herbal tea. Just make sure that most of your daily fluid is pure, clear water.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK51ra7Xz983Qq4eIlIXgmDtsDYWWMqZQ_Mvn3z1r3DW1DCG1Rrqq3ZGHWSMDZqkMaDwaMWssls3Zstek8r4ultumg6JY_385pi7pFYmgux-Vyn_MEAP1UXq1d8V9STBTiCIPF3mS7OFc/s1600/water.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK51ra7Xz983Qq4eIlIXgmDtsDYWWMqZQ_Mvn3z1r3DW1DCG1Rrqq3ZGHWSMDZqkMaDwaMWssls3Zstek8r4ultumg6JY_385pi7pFYmgux-Vyn_MEAP1UXq1d8V9STBTiCIPF3mS7OFc/s320/water.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<b><span style="color: #ff9999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you know if you're consuming enough water?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Answer these questions:</span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is your thirst quenched?</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is your urine clear or pale yellow?</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you feel good?</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If so, then you're drinking enough. My personal indication? Lots of trips to the bathroom!</span><br />
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</span></b></div>Realistic expectations...</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are numerous health benefits of drinking water. For your skin and your general well-being, water is critical. My complexion and my energy are happy when I pay attention to my fluid intake. I can sometimes look a bit grey and tired if I don't drink any water, and I certainly <i>feel</i> tired too!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no doubt that water is the ideal liquid refreshment. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reap the benefits of <b>drinking water for your skin</b>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'll have a healthier body and a healthier you!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that is my aim, going forward no more dehydrated me!! And no more dehydrated you!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a fun little tool to help you work out how much water <u>you</u> need per day</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wateraid.org/uk/get_involved/drink_more_water/1415.asp">Drink More Water Calculator</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And a few tips on helping us all along, I know I need tips - cos otherwise I forget!</b></span><br />
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<ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://www.wateraid.org/images/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 42px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Start the day with a cup of hot water with a good squeeze of fresh lemon. This will give your digestive system a real boost.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 42px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead of caffeine and alcohol, drink water. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and cause the body to lose water.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 42px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout the day have water constantly available; keep a water bottle on your desk so you can top up your glass throughout the day and carry a bottle of water with you when you are on the go.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 42px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Create a daily schedule; drink a glass after breakfast, one before lunch etc. You may want to track your water intake <a href="http://www.wateraid.org/uk/get_involved/drink_more_water/1413.asp">Try downloading this little "Drink More Water Screen Saver reminder"</a> to ensure that you drink enough water! I think it's good, have downloaded it and saved in on my work PC.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 42px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are cold, drink warm water instead of coffee or tea which can dehydrate you.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 42px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask for a glass of water to go with your coffee and tea in Cafes.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 42px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drink a glass of water before and during each meal.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 42px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t forget to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables as these have a high water content and will contribute to your daily water intake.</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And on that note, I am off to the kitchen to fill up my bottle :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you drink enough water? Will you join me in my 2ltr a day life style?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061289653349457572.post-21607897655221812072011-04-27T16:26:00.000-07:002011-04-27T16:26:10.412-07:00Time to get healthy!<div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Recently I have fallen into a trap of staying up very late - think 1am - 2am, then getting up at 6.30/7am, and either looking after the boys or going to work.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Then getting through the day on various caffeine infused drinks, and rubbish foods- I tend to eat bad foods if I am tired. And because I am tired everyday, I seem to not be able to drag myself out of this cycle!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's all very well having all the best cosmetics in the world, that I can apply to the outside, but I need to be able to look after my insides, and my well being too, which is actually far more important- because I have a feeling if I carry on this way, on 5 hours sleep a night, inhaling caffeine to stay awake, and bad foods, well I won't be looking too hot in the very near future.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Already I have seen and felt some rather worrying signs from my body, that indicates things are not right, such as very frequent vertigo, I have several hours of dizzy spells most days, the fact that I can't sleep, I have a nasty rash all over my neck..</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Also- other things I am going to do, to look after myself- I shall include here- but basically my aim with this page- is to make myself look and feel healthy inside and out!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 years ago-just before I fell pregnant with my 2nd son, I was healthy, I worked out regularly, I slept enough, I even had abs to be very proud of.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 years ago</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTLDDScsd7L0c-uKqrnxwMyY5ZIlYWE1dgjaX70M0L4gceY66fj6vI0uF0C1j9CJn1xHFIOhh2CAUy99_x1QpG5h1OxoHdSIo8bqxD3lHzq32HzglsWK-6_sSDzNpvAr7PKdYbm9bC4_0/s1600/DSC00355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #666666; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTLDDScsd7L0c-uKqrnxwMyY5ZIlYWE1dgjaX70M0L4gceY66fj6vI0uF0C1j9CJn1xHFIOhh2CAUy99_x1QpG5h1OxoHdSIo8bqxD3lHzq32HzglsWK-6_sSDzNpvAr7PKdYbm9bC4_0/s320/DSC00355.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="172" /></span></a></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hello Flat Tummy- I'm coming to get you again!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I fell pregnant (second time), ate for five (oops), for 9 months, had Baby Noah and lost most of the weight, but have been stuck at least 1 stone heavier than my ideal, for months and months now, as I cannot get out of the rut I am in!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My aim is: </span></b></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To lose 1 stone- by eating healthily & sensibly</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To always en corporate 2 litres of water into my day- no excuses.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To aim to get 8 hours sleep every night</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To exercise at least 4 times a week </span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To post a diary on here of my progress</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img height="400" src="http://www.nutrition-rocks.co.uk/pictures/content/images/body%20buff.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="282" /></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have this DVD and plan to use it </span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Davina's exercise DVDs are excellent all rounders for getting fit at home, I have her other DVDs and LOVE the variety of exercises on them! Also I like Davina, which really helps.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'GFS Neohellenic'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am going to get a 2ltr bottle at home and one at work, and make sure that everyday I keep it out on a table, so throughout the course of the day, I will finish it.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will keep a food diary and post it here, and maybe I can inspire someone?</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Every Monday night I shall weigh in and update:)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I plan to post the post in my blog, and link them to this page, so all can easily be found in one place.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My journey starts here- so who's joining me?</div></div>Stinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325815157952772702noreply@blogger.com2