Well I have made it to day 5 and so far it's been great! I have already dropped a very good amount of weight and I've still got a couple of days to go until weigh in day so there's room to drop more!
For the most part, I have resisted temptation quite well, I did however during the week eat two slices of bread and a small bag of air popped popcorn, which now that I think about it is not that bad!
This week I discovered the wonders of cauliflower rice and I have to say, I love it! It's easy to make and the texture is somewhere between rice and couscous. Needless to say I shall be experimenting with it big time as it's very low in fat, low carb and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as the B vitamin group. Just be careful not to eat it more than 4-5 times per week as it contains purines which are broken down by the body to create uric acid and too much uric acid can cause gout!
The walks are going well but we are due for some rain as of tomorrow so I shall be working out indoors and I have my hot little hands on a fabulous exercise routine courtesy of a friend and cannot wait to make my body cry! :)
Well that's it for now, until next time, keep smiling and keep moving!
Barbs xx
Friday, 20 September 2013
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Super Smoothies!
These are just four of the smoothie recipes that I use as ingredients are easily accessible and taste delicious!
I've written these recipes in the simplest form with the cheapest most accessible ingredients available, but you can add superfood extras such as:
- goji berries
- macca powder
- LSA (linseed, sunflower seeds and almonds ground to a fine powder)
- cocoa nibs
- bee pollen
- medjool dates
- acai berries
- chia seeds .... and loads, loads more!
Mango Banana Smoothie
1 frozen banana
1 cup chopped frozen mango
1/2 cup coconut water
2 scoops protein powder (vanilla, banana or strawberry)
Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend well. If the mixture is too thick, add a little cold water to reach your desired consistency.
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Super Green Smoothie! (I drink this everyday!)
2 big handfuls chopped silverbeet (kale, cavalo nero or spinach)
1 1/2 cups water
1 banana
2 apples, cored and chopped
2 sticks celery
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
2 teaspoons spirulina
Place everything into the blender except the spirulina. Blend until everything is broken down and combined then lastly add the spirulina and blend a few more seconds to mix it through.
This should make two really large glasses.
=======================================
Berry Chocolate Smoothie
1 cup frozen berries
1 frozen or chilled banana
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
1/2 cup cold water
Place all ingredients into a blend and blend. If the mixture is too thick, add a little cold water to thin it out a little.
This is my favourite!
=======================================
Peanut Butter Smoothie
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 cup milk
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 tsp liquid honey
1 frozen or chilled banana
Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend well. Enjoy!
There you go, enjoy! :)
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Day 2: Aside from my mathematical boo-boo, the day went great!
Well day 2 and it was a really good day, well except for finding out I suck at math as mentioned in my previous post.
Today I was so insanely flat out busy that I didn't get much of a workout in except for a run to and from the dairy (corner shop) and the only reason I thumped my thighs along the pavement was because rain was threatening. I do have to say though, I felt pretty comfortable and not fatigued whatsoever.
So due to the fact that movement was minimal, I watched my calorie intake like a hawk and didn't feel hungry at all, just content. I did however see a picture of some delicious popcorn and instantly wanted to wrap my mouth around my laptop screen or even easier, run back to the dairy and get some, but I managed to pull out my willpower and resisted, yay me!
Nothing eventful to write about today except to say that I am on track and feeling fighting fit!
I didn't take any pictures of my food today except for these delicious fresh veges which I combined with a little soy sauce and brown rice. It was so tasty! I have to say though that there was almost a head of broccoli in that dish just for me and while most people will say that beans cause flatulence, I think broccoli also has a tendency to cause mischief ;)
Today I was so insanely flat out busy that I didn't get much of a workout in except for a run to and from the dairy (corner shop) and the only reason I thumped my thighs along the pavement was because rain was threatening. I do have to say though, I felt pretty comfortable and not fatigued whatsoever.
So due to the fact that movement was minimal, I watched my calorie intake like a hawk and didn't feel hungry at all, just content. I did however see a picture of some delicious popcorn and instantly wanted to wrap my mouth around my laptop screen or even easier, run back to the dairy and get some, but I managed to pull out my willpower and resisted, yay me!
Nothing eventful to write about today except to say that I am on track and feeling fighting fit!
I didn't take any pictures of my food today except for these delicious fresh veges which I combined with a little soy sauce and brown rice. It was so tasty! I have to say though that there was almost a head of broccoli in that dish just for me and while most people will say that beans cause flatulence, I think broccoli also has a tendency to cause mischief ;)
I'm so annoyed that I want to cry.... but I won't because I'm tough!
Well it seems I have made a boo-boo. Most people wouldn't call it a big one but I feel that it's monstrous! In fact, it's as big and as bad as if someone had deleted the world's supply of chocolate! Okay well, maybe not that bad, but bad enough in my book! On Monday I weighed myself and was horrified to be greeted with the rather unwanted number of 109.9kg. I quickly did my calculation into pounds and got 239 pounds. I guess having fat fingers running all over the keyboard on my teeny iPhone screen had me accidentally push a different number because after checking about 20 minutes ago, I am actually 241.7 pounds of overweight blubbery sumo-ness!
Now I suppose I could go find a corner and cry or maybe even shovel down some salted caramel popcorn, but I won't because I'm tougher than that! More than ever I am determined to shatter this extra amount of cushioning covering my bones to reveal a sleek and slender me underneath.
Watch this space peeps because I am NEVER going to EVER crucify my scale or torture my ankles with this excess weight ever again, Amen!
Now I suppose I could go find a corner and cry or maybe even shovel down some salted caramel popcorn, but I won't because I'm tougher than that! More than ever I am determined to shatter this extra amount of cushioning covering my bones to reveal a sleek and slender me underneath.
Watch this space peeps because I am NEVER going to EVER crucify my scale or torture my ankles with this excess weight ever again, Amen!
Monday, 16 September 2013
Day 1: done and dusted!
START WT: 109.5 (239 pounds)
Well today was a success! I got in my exercise and no bad foods went into my gob today! I feel so proud of myself and am ready to take on day 2 tomorrow!
I apologise for the lack of video today, I did intend to get one done but never fear, I should have one up tomorrow!
Here is what I consumed today:
Bircher Muesli: soaked oats, walnuts, chia seeds, Greek yoghurt and sunflower seeds
Green smoothie
Sweet Chilli Tuna Salad
A slice of fake low fat cheese (not the greatest choice!)
Tomato, Broccoli and Swiss Chard Fritatta, brown rice and salad, no dressing
Cappuccino
So what's in store for tomorrow? Pretty much the same and I look forward to it! Oh and I must take my measurements tomorrow!
Well today was a success! I got in my exercise and no bad foods went into my gob today! I feel so proud of myself and am ready to take on day 2 tomorrow!
I apologise for the lack of video today, I did intend to get one done but never fear, I should have one up tomorrow!
Here is what I consumed today:
Bircher Muesli: soaked oats, walnuts, chia seeds, Greek yoghurt and sunflower seeds
Green smoothie
Sweet Chilli Tuna Salad
A slice of fake low fat cheese (not the greatest choice!)
Tomato, Broccoli and Swiss Chard Fritatta, brown rice and salad, no dressing
Cappuccino
So what's in store for tomorrow? Pretty much the same and I look forward to it! Oh and I must take my measurements tomorrow!
Sunday, 15 September 2013
That's it, that does it, it's time for a SIX WEEK CHALLENGE!
It's the night before I start my new Six Week Challenge and I feel pretty good. I have no desire to eat nasty food, I don't feel a sense of doom and gloom about not being able to eat what I want for the next six weeks, all I am feeling is a strange sense of calm.
Weight loss challenges can be hard especially when you follow a challenge that is not for you and this is why I have come up with a plan that suits me and I know I can handle. During the last challenge I completed it became apparent that bread and sugar are my weight gainers! I tend to gain weight quickly whenever I eat fresh baked goods so, out the door they go along with every other nasty that I like such as all junk food and anything fried..... sob, sob!
Every day for the next six weeks, I shall be writing what I ate and how I spent that energy through movement. This will enable me to keep track of what works and what doesn't and then hopefully once and for all I will end up with my magic formula because let's face it, we are all different, there is no magic one way solution for everyone, well that's what I think anyway!
THE PLAN
So here's the deal, for the next 6 weeks, I will do the following:
1) No sugar - except what already exists in fruit and yoghurt
2) No bread, no yeast products, no crackers, no baked goods NONE!
3) No treat days - it's only 6 weeks, it's not going to kill me!
4) Exercise at least 5 days a week, I will most likely do 6
5) Weigh in once a week, measure once every 3 weeks
6) 7-8 hrs sleep - this is a toughie for me!
7) At least 10 glasses of water per day!
8) Portion control! I hate doing this but I am going to weigh all my food!
9) No alcohol!
10) 6 small meals per day, incl. 2 green smoothies, 1 protein shake, 70% raw diet and reduced meat consumption (no more than 3 days per week)
There you have it, just 10 little rules to success
So here's to tomorrow the start of Day 1 and finally, a video!
Barbs xx
Weight loss challenges can be hard especially when you follow a challenge that is not for you and this is why I have come up with a plan that suits me and I know I can handle. During the last challenge I completed it became apparent that bread and sugar are my weight gainers! I tend to gain weight quickly whenever I eat fresh baked goods so, out the door they go along with every other nasty that I like such as all junk food and anything fried..... sob, sob!
Every day for the next six weeks, I shall be writing what I ate and how I spent that energy through movement. This will enable me to keep track of what works and what doesn't and then hopefully once and for all I will end up with my magic formula because let's face it, we are all different, there is no magic one way solution for everyone, well that's what I think anyway!
THE PLAN
So here's the deal, for the next 6 weeks, I will do the following:
1) No sugar - except what already exists in fruit and yoghurt
2) No bread, no yeast products, no crackers, no baked goods NONE!
3) No treat days - it's only 6 weeks, it's not going to kill me!
4) Exercise at least 5 days a week, I will most likely do 6
5) Weigh in once a week, measure once every 3 weeks
6) 7-8 hrs sleep - this is a toughie for me!
7) At least 10 glasses of water per day!
8) Portion control! I hate doing this but I am going to weigh all my food!
9) No alcohol!
10) 6 small meals per day, incl. 2 green smoothies, 1 protein shake, 70% raw diet and reduced meat consumption (no more than 3 days per week)
There you have it, just 10 little rules to success
So here's to tomorrow the start of Day 1 and finally, a video!
Barbs xx
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
So tired of it all!
Well yet again I am at the point of 'I don't give a crap any more!' I have been feeling so blah, bleh, meh, ugh, about the whole weight loss thing and I think one of the reasons is because I had someone I could talk to one on one about this trip but as of a few weeks ago, they have stopped communicating except a wee post here and there on my facebook. I don't know why I let this affect me so, perhaps mostly because it was nice to be able to chat to another adult who understands what this crap is all about and could make me laugh in the process. Oh well, shit happens I guess so it's back to being my own cheerleader and getting the job done which is how I lost the first amount of weight, I did it once, I can do it again!
So what is in store for me? well for one thing I have a wedding shoot coming up which I am seriously excited about and secondly, I have a firm idea on what my cookbook will be all about. I tell ya, I have changed my mind on this book a million times and it's nice to finally settle on ONE idea and go from there.
I have a HUGE problem with snacking and when I am in the mood for a nibble or two, I tend to gravitate towards the nasty stuff, chips, cookies, chocolate, you get my drift right? So one day I decided to go through all of my recipes that I have written and recipes I modified from the internet etc and created a list of snack foods that have helped me and that I think will help others to be able to have a treat without breaking the calorie bank balance. I have a working title called "Survival Snacks" and most likely will end up changing this title a hundred times while writing the book and eventually settling on this very title! lol! My mind works in crazy ways!
So there you have it, me as of today, oh and as of today I have gained 1.5kg! yes I am pissed but also glad that I did weigh because now I know I REALLY need to pull the blinders off and get busy and so far so good for this week!
Well, I shall love you and leave you with this recipe I created last week, I hope you enjoy it!
COCONUT & CHOCOLATE CHIP ENERGY BALLS
1 cup coconut
2 cups dates, chopped
1/2 cup choc chips
2 T cocoa
2 T chia seeds
2 T sunflower seeds
Place the dates into a food processor and process until the dates form a sticky mixture.
Grab a large bowl and throw in the coconut, chocolate chips (or cacao nibs), cocoa, chia seeds and sunflower seeds and mix to combine.
Add the sticky date mixture and combine everything together with your hands until all the dry ingredients are mixed in with the dates and the mixture is stiff enough to roll into balls.
Roll into balls and enjoy! For storage place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Makes approximately 12 depending on the size, Enjoy!
Barbs x
So what is in store for me? well for one thing I have a wedding shoot coming up which I am seriously excited about and secondly, I have a firm idea on what my cookbook will be all about. I tell ya, I have changed my mind on this book a million times and it's nice to finally settle on ONE idea and go from there.
I have a HUGE problem with snacking and when I am in the mood for a nibble or two, I tend to gravitate towards the nasty stuff, chips, cookies, chocolate, you get my drift right? So one day I decided to go through all of my recipes that I have written and recipes I modified from the internet etc and created a list of snack foods that have helped me and that I think will help others to be able to have a treat without breaking the calorie bank balance. I have a working title called "Survival Snacks" and most likely will end up changing this title a hundred times while writing the book and eventually settling on this very title! lol! My mind works in crazy ways!
So there you have it, me as of today, oh and as of today I have gained 1.5kg! yes I am pissed but also glad that I did weigh because now I know I REALLY need to pull the blinders off and get busy and so far so good for this week!
Well, I shall love you and leave you with this recipe I created last week, I hope you enjoy it!
1 cup coconut
2 cups dates, chopped
1/2 cup choc chips
2 T cocoa
2 T chia seeds
2 T sunflower seeds
Place the dates into a food processor and process until the dates form a sticky mixture.
Grab a large bowl and throw in the coconut, chocolate chips (or cacao nibs), cocoa, chia seeds and sunflower seeds and mix to combine.
Add the sticky date mixture and combine everything together with your hands until all the dry ingredients are mixed in with the dates and the mixture is stiff enough to roll into balls.
Roll into balls and enjoy! For storage place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Makes approximately 12 depending on the size, Enjoy!
Barbs x
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