Tag Archives: fitness

New Year – New Diet?

I’ve lost track of the number of diets I’ve tried. Calorie counting, cutting food groups, virtual starvation, and an attempt to eat a well balanced diet. The latter was hardest, and had the best results, but unfortunately I began to ‘cheat’ and lost my way. So here I am in a new decade, looking at my winter weight gain and eager to shift the lbs but also well aware that fad diets are no good for me if i want lasting weight-loss (which I do.)

I don’t want to be thin, just have my trousers fit comfortably around my belly. Which is something post-Christmas they don’t. Ahh but do I regret my Christmas chocolate binge? Not a bit. I loved every moment of cake indulgence and every sneaky festive chocolate. It reminded me of being a child, where Christmas and Easter were the only real times of indulgence.

I think my main desire to lose weight is to be able to move easier, 7lbs doesn’t seem much extra weight, until you are carrying it.

Healthy eating is it expensive?

Eating a healthy diet is probably cheaper than my usual diet if I’m honest. Fruit and vegetables, rice, pasta and a choice of proteins can all be purchased cheaply.

I love frozen berries with my breakfast oats. Frozen berries are so cheap to buy and I love them! I don’t mind frozen vegetables, but prefer them fresh so I will try to stick to seasonal vegetables which should help with costs.

I am not a nutritionist or dietician and so i am just going to be using an app to track my food. I guess I am technically calorie counting – although primarily I am using the app to monitor carbs/protein etc. I have honestly absolutely no idea what I’m doing other than trying to avoid processed sugar packed foods. Well, I will still be allowing myself a couple of treats… But I want to choose them with care and really enjoy them rather than eat them in a hurry as I’m hungry! Anyone else fall into that trap?

My initial target is 7lbs, which should mean my jeans are comfortable again! I’ve two birthday celebrations in the house this month so it may be a challenge, but it isn’t a race!

FitBit Versa – Review

Until Autumn last year, I hadn’t owned a Fitbit. I didn’t see a reason to own one – did I need one if I wasn’t training for something? Surely not. But when I started running regularly, I realised that my heart rate chest strap was really uncomfortable to wear for long. Suddenly, a heart rate monitor which I could wear on my wrist seemed a better idea.

Fitbit Versa.

I bought a second hand Fitbit Charge HR 2, as I was still unsure whether I would actually wear it. I found that I started to really take note of my daily steps, and would try to beat my daily steps each day. I also liked being able to see what had happened to my heart rate while I was exercising in a simple app. I was impressed – why had I not got one sooner?!

At the start of this year, I unexpectedly won a Fitbit Versa for myself and my training buddy. I had heard lots about the Fitbit Versa, but did wasn’t sure how many of the features I would actually use.  Sensibly the Fitbit Charge 2 did everything I needed it too surely?

Thoughts on Fitbit Versa.

The Fitbit Versa has a bigger face, making it easier to see, and there are more options on the screen – and it is colour! The watch face is slimmer, so it sits better on my wrist than the Charge did. It comes with two watch straps, a small and a large  – so no need to decide which one you need while you are buying it!

The screen makes it really easy to use while you are active. So if you’re on the tread mill you can switch modes or view your heart rate easily. I love being able to connect by Bluetooth headphones directly to my watch to play music. No more fiddling about with my phone!

I find that RELAX on the watch is really helpful after a busy day. It helps me to refocus my thoughts and breathing.

You can use it in the pool, and it will track your lengths. Just remember that you do need to select swimming though, and deselect it once you’re out the pool! Once out the pool I took it off and dried it while I got dressed.

I like being able to receive texts on my watch. Track my sleep – I don’t get enough! And generally the ease of seeing my steps, average heart rate, active minutes and calories burnt. I could also add my bank card to my watch, I have yet to do this, but I can see it would make paying for a coffee while out super simple.

In summary, the Fitbit Versa is a great watch which helps me to stay active. I’d thoroughly recommend one if you’re looking to keep healthy!

Plus Size Fitness Wear from Miss Matahari

I’ve made no secret that three children, and 7 years of neglecting to participate in much physical activity has taken its toll. I am overweight, under toned and unhappy. Before I became the person I am today, I used to wonder why people who were unhappy didn’t just throw on a pair of trainers and some gym clothes and get down to the gym to change the situation. Now, I realise that body image can be quite upsetting, especially when you’re jiggling about trying to burn those calories and are confronted by a floor to ceiling mirror. I need plus sized fitness wear which makes me feel great, rather than covers every inch of me like a tent. Miss Matahari, doesn’t just sell to the more curvy woman, the range has been designed so that every woman can feel and look great while working out. Continue reading →

The 5K challenge is creeping nearer..

I decided it is about time I updated you on my fitness efforts, especially with my 5k now only a month away! I have to confess that my training isn’t going quite as it should be, I have had to step things down after stirring up an old injury, it’s frustrating but there’s I’ve had to accept that rest is required – and I can still do some non-weight bearing strengthening exercises, so all is not lost! I look back to where I was a year ago, and I can’t see that much has changed physically, I’ve dropped bra cup sizes but not dress sizes! But then this was never really about weight loss, it was about being physically fit and strong. Fitness wise, so much has changed! A year ago, just the thought of running made me break into a sweat and I was terrified when I first tried to run! Aerobically I’m in a much better place, and it’s noticeable that I run around with my sons without having to have a “rest”. Now I just need to be a bit more strict with my diet, and really opt for the healthy options rather than raid the biscuit tin at the first opportunity…(usually just after the school run!). 

Anyway, as some of you know I have been trying out some Bras for Berlei, and sharing my thoughts on things over on the Berlei blog. I fell in love with the Berlei running bra, not only is it really supportive but it’s ultra comfortable to – in fact I am wearing it now (and I am not running while I type I can assure you!). Berlei have launched a special edition of the bra  in candy pink, and for each bra sold £5 will be donated to the Karen Green Foundation.

 

Whether you are running or cycling for charity, or just working out in the gym why not consider treating yourself to some comfort and help out a fantastic charity at the same time? 

Are you raising money for charity this year? Let me know as I love to hear about your challenges x


A new era..

Between the school runs, play dates, and endless washing (seriously how do two small children manage to create so much?!) I have found myself really enjoying life the last few weeks, hence I’ve neglected the blog.. Since December I’ve felt in a bit of a rut, rather unhappy I’ve struggled to see the bright side of life and the miserable cold weather certainly didn’t help my mood! The first signs of sunshine spelt a new era, and I have found a new energy and confidence! I’ve been cavorting around the country visiting friends, exercising, gardening and even (whispers) cleaning! Now don’t get thinking I’ve become a domestic goddess over night, that is simply untrue – I still can’t cook, although I have managed to perfect some simple baking skills..I am now truly one of those women who when stressed bakes! 
 I have to confess, I had a break through with my diet after reading the book Beyond Temptation, it addresses over-eating and unhealthy relationships with food which I undoutedbly have. Yes I am that woman who buys a large pack of cream eclairs and having opened them to have one with my coffee, I then end up eating the entire pack to conceal the evidence that I have had one at all.. The book doesn’t make excuses, doesn’t make promises that you will weight, but DOES help you deal with issues around why you starve all day and then binge at night, or punish yourself for having that ice cream at the beach. I’ve still got a long way to go, but I’ve stopped feeling guilty when I decide I want a desert as I fancy it (and I’ve stopped referring to it as “a treat”). 
So, life is good and I’m training for a 5k with my lovely friend Ani who will undoubtedly shame me with her speed around the course! I’ve had a sneeky chat with a personal trainer and he’s given me exercises which I can do at home in front of the tv..perfect for the lazy girl in me!

Ms G xx


Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of Beyond Temptation free of charge, the link is NOT affiliate. All thoughts about the book are my own based on my experiences using the book for the last 8weeks.

Keeping up the momentum..

London 2012 has been such an inspiring Olympic games! I’ve watched with Boo and heard him excited by the swimming, sailing, rowing and in awe of the gymnasts and diving! We didn’t manage to get tickets, but we did enjoy the experience via our visit to London – Mascot spotting! I’m a little sad that it’s over. However, I’m already excited and looking forward to what the Paralympics will bring!

 I’ve been aware that I need to get as fit as I can for several months, and I feel inspired to try quite a bit harder having watched some amazing athletes! I need to keep the momentum going with Boo as he’s so keen to get involved in sport and the best way I can see is to lead by example surely? I hasten to add I mean by being physically fit and I don’t mean I’ll be trying out the diving or gymnastics! 

I’ve decided I need to set myself a challenge, so the first is to swim 200m in 4minutes. I have no idea how long it currently takes me to swim 200m but I’m fairly sure it’s a lot longer than that! While I love swimming, my technique is dismal! The next challenge is to try to teach Boo to swim before the end of the year. I love swimming, and while I don’t anticipate Boo being a future Olympic swimmer, I want to encourage his interest in swimming and hopefully ensure he has some decent technique!

Is anyone else feeling inspired by the Olympians?