Is that a cupcake?

You think you are plodding along all nice and healthy and BAM there is a pretty pink cupcake sitting there in front of you, everyone else is having one and you think "I shouldn't" - what do you do?  I ate that gorgeous sweet delightful cupcake with its high sugar content..... I had planned my sweet encounter. I knew it was coming.

It was GOOOD.  Enjoyed every sugar licking mouthful.  Why you ask, gasp?! Because I had been really good nutrition wise and training wise in the last two weeks since I got back from Thailand, managed to drop a couple kgs on the scale (beer & noodle belly, aka buddha belly) and just felt like a cupcake, with my nice long black. Yummy, delicious, scrumptious, get in my belly.

The positive thing is I haven't fallen off the healthy band wagon, I have just made the decision to have a little something sweet and enjoyed it. I still ate my healthy snacks for that day and trained like a mofo in the gym. This boys and girls I find works for me and keeps me from "binging".  I am not training for a comp, or Olympics (yet) I am getting fitter and stronger everyday, I can tell that from my training and my body shape in the mirror.  

The only person I have to answer to is me. I am human and thank god I am in a healthy mind space about food. We have cake for the next two days at work, but I have already had my little piece of heaven (helps being the person who is responsible for the ordering the cake, so I can work out what I like and what I can indulge in)! Plus I don't really worry about saying NO. People around here are used to me with my "strange" eating habits.

I don't count calories anymore, I don't worry about doing three classes back to back if I have chocolate, I just make sure the chocolate is yummy and made with natural ingredients! I track my nutrition intake to pretty much keep an eye on my sugar and ensure I get enough fuel (I can funnily enough under eat some days).  

Who wants to live like that so restraint?  My wish for everyone out there, even the ones who do seriously have a good solid 10+kgs to lose, is that you are what you eat and think. Start thinking healthy, planning healthy activities with your friends and family, fill your cupboards with good fresh snacks and healthy meal plans. Allow yourself something a little naughty once a week (not a cheat meal or day) no cheating here or binging! Prepare for it, so you will enjoy it, keeping you being on track the rest of the week. If you fall off, well get up and dust yourself off and get back on the healthy wagon, it should become easier and just part of your lifestyle.  Learn NEW healthy eating patterns, learn what to buy from the shops, where to get fresh cheaper produce and have a good solid list of quick and easy recipes.... it will take over the old habit and be your new healthy habit. DO IT.

Do not give yourself the opportunity to be sabotaged by yourself or others. What do YOU want to achieve. Stand on your two feet and say "No, I don't want that, but thanks for asking".  What is your goal?  We all know you ain't going to get the changes you want until you change.  So what are you waiting for?  

Overheard on bus this morning: when I lose "more" weight everything will just be better for me, I know it!

After hitting the snooze button three times this morning I trundled (trotted? toodled) to work on the #377 bus from Randwick.  The bus was packed and I had my earphones in but hadn't pressed the play (trying to juggle bags, gym and handbag) as I caught up with my morning social media networks (who was eating what for breakfast on Facebook and Twitter) it was then I overhead the two very young girls discussing going to the gym after work.

I smiled, thinking to myself "me too" and kept scrolling down my Facebook feed not really concentrating on the rest of the conversation until I heard "sometimes it is just so hard, you know, trying to lose weight"! I think at this moment I turned my head to the left to actually check out the bodyshape of the young girls - slim, slender.  (So glad I had my fake Prada sunnies on from Thailand so they couldn't see my eyes).... then her girlfriend responded with " I know when I lose more weight everything will just be better for me,  I know it"!

I just wanted to lean over and slap these two 24-year old something girls! They have so much in life I am sure, they looked healthy and well dressed, no doubts have great jobs somewhere in the city and still they are still talking about their image, like being underweight and having spaghetti arms is going to be the big saviour, that once they get to their ideal weight (god knows what they weighed, around 50-53kgs?) that everything will just fall into their laps? That being skinny/slimmer than they are now is the answer to everything? 

Now alarm bells rang when she said the word  "MORE"... when I lose more weight... now she could of very well lost you know 20 or 30kgs previously, but you could just tell that it was more likely 1-2kgs... I have trained girls like this in the gym...

This is the point I put on my headphones and starting drafting this blog post.   The message still seems to be very loud and clear - you are not accepted or successful unless you are skinny! Arrghhhh.  I know not every girl thinks the same but I guarantee you this, there would be many young girls who would say the same thing, guaranteed.

So lets get THIS message right

Strong is the new skinny, healthy is the new skinny......

Oxygen covergirl competition......

That time of year again. I was very excited last year to enter the Oxygen Covergirl contest and am keen to do it again this year..... even if I have been on holidays in Thailand and been a little ahem relaxed with my nutrition.

Nothing like a tight deadline to really knuckle down with nutrition and challenge myself with training.  I have been training hard and feel great after a couple weeks off (swimming, sleeping in, eating, drinking, sleeping, swimming).  Gives the body & mind a true break and time to swing it out of the ball park.

Finding out that I have serious knee issues before my trip didn't help my motivation to train, being limited with the exercise I can do I am going to focus on exactly that, what I CAN do. I have sat down and planned out my training sessions and exactly what I will do to achieve goals.  

LOVE a challenge.I have lots of hard work to do.

2011 entry

Time to recharge the batteries.

I used to think I was superwoman.  Sometimes I am, I put on that cape and work my ass off, but there are times when I know that my body and mind need a full on break.

I listen to my body only and ignore comments from other people when they say "push harder, don't stop, no excuses"!  Those are other peoples  expectations, not mine. There is time when you need that encouragement to help you push through to your goals and then there is time where you really just need to stop, collaborate and listen, I mean relax.

My battery needs to be recharged, I need my body & mind to reconnect, time to reflect on the events over the last 12 or so months and time to think about which direction I am going in life. I love a little bit of perspective too.

Time to re-charge. Get away from the daily routine of work, gym, crazy mad city life & head to another country to relax, spend time with myself, my thoughts and of course my lovely man. To spend time together away from our current daily shuffle.  

Everyone is different, some people push themselves into the ground, sometimes it might be worth it (athlete, competing) but I guarantee you everyone would love just a week OFF, no matter what they do.You would be mad if you said you didn't. 

I love that I am going to be away - to eat great food, sleep in, swim, shop, get massages - read a BOOK! That is a huge sign that I am not getting enough down time when I haven't read a full book in months. I used to read about 10-15 books a year. Time reorganise my priorities!!

Next week we head to Thailand... for a blissful 10days of relaxmus.  I cannot wait to see how my mind and body feels after getting away from it all.

What are my favourite healthy meals to cook!?

I love preparing food. I love eating food and I enjoy healthy food that tastes good. I get bored easily and like to mix things up.  So, to keep up with my pictures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram thought I would post my "Top 10" favourite meals to cook/prepare.

You don't have to be Masterchef or need any fancy equipment, just need to keep chopping and changing recipes so you still enjoy the food you make for your dinner (and lunch leftovers, the best)!

Almond & Coconut Crusted Chicken

Marinate chicken in Dijon mustard, water, white vinegar, garlic, salt & pepper before rolling in almond meal & coconut! Bake in the oven for 20-25mins until golden brown.

 

Fresh Fruit with Coconut Milk

Cut up delicious in season fresh fruit, mix with some nuts (almonds, walnuts) and some seed mix for a scrumptious breakfast

Red Thai Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Soup

This has been my favourite to make this winter, so easy! I just fry up some onion, red thai paste, add 2-3 cups chicken stock, add cut up pumpkin and sweet potato, cover with water and boil for a couple hours. Stir in 400g can of coconut milk/cream and blend together. Serve with roasted radishes on top. Delish

Prawn & vegetable lazy frittata

In a fry pan with coconut oil cook up 4-6 eggs, mixed together.  Cook for 2-3mins on one side and then place vegetables & prawns, place under the grill in the oven for 10-15mins until cooked/golden brown. Top with fresh greens.

Coconut Flour Pancakes  

Haven't made these for a while. Used to use oats which is easier and cheaper!  Mix half cup oats or coconut flour with 2 full eggs and 2 egg whites, 1 tsp vanilla essence and cook - serve with maple syrup and blueberries.

Baked Chicken with Chorizo

Love a one pan cooking recipe. Put chicken drumsticks or thighs in a roasting pan, cover with coconut oil or olive oil, oregano, chorizo and bake in oven for 35-45mins.  Add pineapple on top, mix up a little and cook until chicken skin is brown (another 15-20mins) Serve with greens.

Savoury/Eggy Muffins

Instead of making cupcakes, some genius thought of savoury muffins! These are great for breakfast, a snack whatever you fancy.  I just scramble up some eggs, add ham, fresh basil, tomato, salmon, whatever is going, spoon into oiled cupcake tins and cook for 15-20mins or until brown.  ** Don't fill too high, they will rise.

Kangaroo Steaks

Herb & garlic marinated kangaroo steaks available at most supermarkets now. Great for dinner, lunch or even breakfast, like below, which I had last week.  Remember to let kangaroo meat rest for 5mins after taking it off the heat.  Serve with greens, roasted radishes and macadammias. Yum 

Chicken or Turkey Mince Rissoles

Mix up 500g mince of your choice with onion, fresh garlic, ginger, basil, egg, salt and pepper and make into small balls and fry in coconut oil or olive oil. They freeze well and are yummy!

Protein Balls

200g almond meal, 10 dates cut up, 2 scoops pea protein isolate, 1 tsp vanilla essence, 1 tbsp cacao/cocoa powder, 1/2 slivered almonds. Mix together. Roll in coconut and put in fridge. Freeze well also

Being happy & healthy... where can you get that from?

Within.

I was told the other day that I am always so happy! So of course I smile back and say thanks, I know I am! And healthy too they said, you are always eating good healthy foods.  Great, they haven't seen me raid the charity chocolate in the kitchen.

Attitude is so important! I have a positive attitude to so many things in life, which I find just keeps me happy, healthy and smiling.  I don't take too many things seriously, or myself (some days) and I tend not to get caught up in everyone else's negativity (shite).  I like to keep things real.  Life is a two way street. Friendships and relationships should be the same. Give and take and compromise but some people want to constantly take or whinge, they can, as long as it ain't to me. Don't get me wrong I will always be there for my  friends and family, but like to not have negative people drain me.... so I choose who I spend my energy on. Sometimes you meet people at the right time in your life when changes are happening, you may not always be friends til the end with the people you meet, but you are crossing paths for a reason. Deep I know, but so true. 

Be thankful for who & what you have in your life, focus on the good things and change the negative energy. Or how you deal with the negative energy. Remember it isn't what gets thrown at you in life, it is how you deal with it.  We all go through shit from time to time. That is life. That is living and part of the journey. Don't just focus on the destination... enjoy the road along the way!  Yes you will meet shitty people along the way, but oh my how you have learnt from that experience, yes?

THe things I love are coffee, food and sleep! I always have been in love with food. I love food! Enjoy eating healthy fresh foods - I crave them! Have always enjoyed eating well.  Been lucky to grow up in a house where fresh fruit, vegetables, meats etc were on the menu everyday.  Also grew up with an irish influence, so I do  love my drinky poos!  My weakness nowadays is red wine, coffee, cheese.. mmm.... I mean life it is too short to not enjoy the finer things. I just don't gorge myself on them daily.  I love the feeling of being in control of my health, looking after myself! I sleep well, train hard, eat goood food and smile, often, laugh often too, even if it is mainly at myself!  I find myself quite hilarious somemost days!

I get yearly checks at the quacks.  Yes ladies including those umcomfortable checks that we all need and most of us don't do (but I am young, don't have family history, crap crap) Just do it.

I get blood tests, regular mole patrols and if there is anything I am unsure of, I ask, begrudgedly, but I ask.   I know that I don't have a family history in a lot of diseases, but I also know that dosen't matter, neither does age or if you didn't smoke/drink etc.  Check your body.  It is peace of mind. Truly.  Ladies check your boobies. Monthly. Just do it.

Having suffered from depression I am more aware of my mind and body and recognise the signs when those dark days roll around, and I know how to ride them out and recognise how to learn from these days and not to challenge them too much. They happen less and less as I recognise the patterns now.  I need Donna time, down time, massages, healing days.  

Remember we are all connected, mental and physical.. we focus TOO much on how we look, weigh, peoples perceptions, what diet we are on or how skinny we can be that we forget to talk about depression, anxiety or mental health. Sweep it under the mat, as no-one wants to be burdened with other peoples problems? Wrong. I would prefer you to talk to me about your anxiety rather than you need to loose 5kgs. Guarantee you deal with one the other takes care of itself.

Sometimes you have to talk about the stuff that makes you uncomfortable. That is how you heal, grow, learn.  Find the right outlet.  I guarantee you if we were to work with people on their mental health, everyone's mental health, mental health is for us all, not just those who we think are mentally ill. BIG DIFFERENCE. If we worked on everyones state of mind, we would notice a big change in their health, weight, attitude, perceptions etc. 


Sometimes you have to take down those brick walls that have been slowly built over-time. Not all at once, but start to gradually realise how connected you are both in body and mind.Being happy in your skin, learning to love you for you. Realising your strength and weaknesses. No one is perfect and who would want to be, how boring!! 


I have had my ups and downs. I have had shit happen in my life. I have been underweight and skinny, I have put on weight, I have been loved, I have had my heart broken, I have been far away from family, I have lost loved ones, I realise that you have to get up everyday and make it count. I choose to smile, be happy and live my life to the full. That is why I am happy and healthy.

50 days without sugar.....

I can hear you all now screaming "You want me to give up sugar?" Well yes, bluntly speaking "give it up"! It isn't doing you any good and probably is affecting your ability to achieve your true (deserved) health & fitness goals not to mention increasing your risk of diseases!

Meet Nat Carter - Nat is a down to earth, passionate PT with years in the industry who is ready to teach you about health and fitness.  Nat's passion is to get people thinking differently about diet and exercise, to make it part of your regular routine to keep you fit, healthy and disease free. 

I agree totally with Nat's philosophy, which is why I am promoting her new challenge - 50 days without Sugar.  Let me ask you these questions:

Do you want to feel more energetic and less lethargic?

Would you like to reduce your bodyfat by a few kilos?

Sick of getting every cold and flu that passes through the office/work?

Want to have a better nights sleep?

Get rid of those sugar cravings for good?

Answer yes to a few of those did we? Excellent, then register by clicking the link above for Nat's challenge.  It is free to enter and there are even prizes to be won! Join in this Global Challenge to feel healthier, fitter and even lighter.

The challenge officially starts on the 1 July - keep up to date with the topic chatter on:

Nat's blog 

Nat's webpage - New Outlook Fitness

Facebook Page

Twitter account

Come on, you can do it... you will have a great forum of people facing the same fears and challenges as you!  Head over to Nat's page now and register and read about this fantastic challenge.  I dare you!