Are you feeling bloated? Tired? bad skin? I know I was, so heres what I did about it!

It had been a couple of months and I was feeling so tired, struggling to get up in the mornings again. My head wasn't clear and my skin was so blotchy.  I confided in a good friend and he said what is your diet like? So strange I had never really thought about it.  So I did...

I realised I had been eating a lot of dairy, cakes etc and relying on coffee to 'perk me up'.  I had gone from no caffeine to 2-3 cups a day.  So I decided I was going to do a 30 days to healthy living challenge.

I am now on Day 9.  So in this video I am going to tell you a little bit about what and why and how I am feeling now, 9 days in.

Love Ashly

xx

ashlyraevp@gmail.com

What you didn't know you could do with Protein Powder

I love my protein powder (the healthy, vegan, non dairy/non gmo variety might I add).  A lot of people associate protein powder with body building or big bulky guys at the gym, this is not true! There is a plethora of ways you can use protein powder to make healthy snacks, meals and deserts.

(I would say make sure you choose your protein wisely as there are a lot of cheaper varieties out there that contain a lot of nasties. I use this one)

Here are my favourites!!

1. Lemon Chia Seed Protein Cookies

2. Chocolate Protein Ice pop (recipe coming soon)

3. Vanilla protein Pancakes

4. No Bake Strawberry Chocolate Protein Balls

5. Glazed Protein Doughuts

6. Strawberry & Chocolate dip (recipe coming soon)

7. Chai Latte (recipe coming soon)

8. Gluten Free & Flourless Protein Brownies

9. Zucchini and Banana bread

Now get baking!

Love Ashly x

Best way to stay healthy this winter!

The kind folks at Pukka sent me over a wonderful hamper filled with immunity boosting Elderberry goodies!! I had never even heard of elderberry but aparently they are tipped as the new superfood.

These wonderful berries have a long history of use in herbal medicine. Elderberries are hugely effective at maintaining a strong immune system because of their anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. There are lots of research studies that support the protecting properties of this super fruit and champion them as a great way for you to fight off viruses during the winter months. Many even claim elderberries are more effective than the traditional flu fighter, Echinacea.

So I decided to give them a go, every morning for the last 30 days I have added a teaspoonful of Pukka’s Elderberry Syrup to my herbal tea.  It tastes really yummy! I am going to continue taking it over the festive period and will update you with my results but so far so good!!!

Below is some of Sebastian Pole’s top tips for keeping well this winter. Sebastian is Pukka Herb’s co-founder and master herb smith. He formulates all the company’s teas and supplements, and is a registered member of the Ayurvedic Practitioners Association, Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine and the Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners.

1. Move over Echinacea, elderberry is the new superfood

Many recent studies have shown that elderberries can neutralise 10 strains of the ‘flu virus. Packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, elderberries can ease symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough, and body aches.

To make the most of the protective properties elderberries have to offer, and introduce some of their natural goodness into your diet, take one teaspoon of Pukka’s Elderberry Syrup up to three times a day. If you’re starting to feel rundown, try three teaspoons a day and you may be able to beat that cold or flu – or if you are already suffering you may be able to shorten your flu duration by half. The syrup also tastes great meaning it’s perfect for the little ones in the family too, give them just half a teaspoon up to three times a day.

2. Stay hydrated

As the months get colder, many forget it is important to drink lots of warm water and stay hydrated in winter. It is paramount to maintaining tiptop health because when hydrated, your body is better able to flush out toxins and fight bacteria. You’ll also benefit from boosted energy levels and improved concentration. If you do catch a cold or a nasty flu bug, dehydration can make your symptoms worse so keep your fluid levels up.

One way to drink lots of water and simultaneously help you stay warm in winter is to enjoy herbal tea.

3. Get rest

Late nights and early starts can take their toll on your body if you don’t get enough hours each night. The body is said to repair and rejuvenate itself when it rests, so it’s imperative you give your body the chance to do so. Try to get at least seven to eight hours sleep a day to let your body’s cells, tissues and organs repair themselves and keep your immune system strong.

4. Keep exercising

When it’s cold and wet outside it’s tempting to stay indoors and sit in the warmth, but do try to fit your usual gym session or weekly run in. It’s not just to keep fit, but to build your army of antioxidants that will help you fight the viruses that are everywhere in the season.

5. Massage yourself

The cold weather often brings with it aching joints and ‘frozen shoulder’. To offset this seasonal tendency, massage yourself with warm oil. When you’re finished have a hot shower and rub the oil off your skin with a towel. 

What do you do to keep colds at bay over winter? 

Love Ashly xxx

Why I go Paraben Free

Hey all! As it is breast cancer awareness month, I want to share with you all why I avoid personal care products that contain the chemical preservatives parabens.  Have you heard of them?

They are found in nearly all personal care and beauty products you buy on the high street. In 2011 they were banned in Denmark in products aimed at children under the age of 3 years on the grounds of reproductive toxicity. In fact, Exposure to high levels of oestrogen before or just after birth can be detrimental for male reproductive function. Scary to think many 'nappy creams' contain these preservatives.

All parabens have been shown to bind to human oestrogen receptors and increase expression of oestrogen. Lifetime exposure to oestrogen is among other things, an established risk factor for breast cancer so much so that Breast Cancer UK publicly supports the phase out of all parabens from all cosmetics and products designed to be applied to the skin and supports an extension of EU Article 60 (3), to ensure parabens are, by default, classed as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).

We are all becoming more aware of what we are putting in our bodies as food so perhaps it is time to take a look at the ingredients in the personal care products we apply every day to not only our skin but our families bodies too.

For more information see http://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/…/bcuk-fact-sheet-parabens/

I hope you found this useful.  It is not something I was aware of until a couple of years go, as soon as I became aware I made the switch :-)

Love Ashly xxxxx

Flat Belly Water

Fruit infused water not only tastes amazing but, if like me you find it a struggle to get your water fix daily because you don't enjoy drinking it plain by the glass.  Infused water is perfect!

You may have heard of this before but it is something I do now daily and it certainly spices up plain old tap water.

There are an abundance of reasons why we should be drinking plenty of water on a daily basis, maintaining a flat belly being one of them.  Flushes out toxins, increases energy and improves skin complexion being a few others.  A sure fire way to tell if you are dehydrated or in need of more water is dark urine, headaches, lack of energy of feeling light headed.

VOSS (£2.29 for 800ml) glass water bottles are perfect, and can be recycled afterwards.

A couple of my favourite fruit infused water recipes are below (add ice cubes if you like it cold)

1. Strawberry Tart

Chop strawberrys, Lemon slices and fresh Mint leaves

2. Orangina Cooler

Slice Orange & Cucumber

3. Cherries Jubilee

Diced Pineapple & Whole cut Cherries

DRINK UP!

Love Ashly

30 Day Shred | 10 day update level 1 Results

Pheweee level 1 of Gillian Michael's 30 day shred done! 

I have really enjoyed having an exercise and a focus over the last week or so. As mentioned in my 5 day Update, there were days when I could not be bothered and was left wondering why am I doing this? However, the thing that kept me going was the results I had already seen. I could physically see the difference and that really spurred me on.

I had 3 days off during my first level, which is absolutely fine.  You can have 1 or 2 days off per week. And I definitely needed them.

Sooo, here are my 30 days shred level 1 results

Hopefully you can tell which is before and after :-) For the avoidance of doubt, left is BEFORE and right is AFTER.  My muscles are tighter, I feel fitter, more confident and there is definitely less to pinch around my sides and stomach.  I have also noticed my jeans are looser around the bottom and hip.

Onwards and upwards, level 2 here I come!!!

Have you tried the 30 day shred?

30 Day Shred Update | Day 5

I am so excited to tell you all about my first 5 days on the 30 day shred!!  

If you follow along with twitter or instagram you might have seen that I am undertaking the 30 Day Shred by Gillian Michaels. Gillian is the lady tasked with getting the contestants on the biggest loser in to shape.  I am off to Vegas in 3 weeks and want to have a rockin' bikini bod.

Day 1

I was pretty excited to get started.  I am not gonna lie it was a tough work out, but definitely do able. I didn't feel like I wanted to stop or coudn't carry on, perhaps because I was so motivated. I would say the hardest part were the push-ups... ouch!

Day 2

Feeling a little sore, especially under my arms. Still I am ploughing on, thinking of that bikini body!

Day 3

Today was a struggle, I really didn't want to work out at all. In fact I got pretty angry during the exercises, fortunately those punches came in handy! Feeling: sore.

Day 4

So tired today. Noticed I have been wanting to eat more, and had a few cheeky sweet snacks.  Telling myself it is ok because I am working out... hmmm not sure this is going to work, maybe I will put on weight instead of toning up!

Day 5

I had the 5th day off. Not because I actually wanted to but because I couldn't fit the work out in to my day.  Which is fine because you are suppose to have 1 or 2 days off per week. So my 5th workout was on day 6.  Gillian says it will get easier but honestly I was sweating the most so far today, could be because I am pushing myself more, but apart from being able to get through the first set of push ups a little better it is still tough.

I think the results I can see so far are incredible. I had no idea that working out just 20 minutes a day for 5 days could make such a huge difference.  Overall I am feeling great. So proud of myself for getting this far! 5 workouts done 25 more to go!!

What do you think of my results so far ladies? Have you tried the 30 day shred?

How you can have ice cream for breakfast...

Who doesn't want ice cream for breakfast? This is the most delicious yummy kind of ice cream there is and the good news... it is healthy, nutritious and you can eat A LOT of it.. and have it for BREAKFAST!! Life.made.

So how do I do it and what's in this healthy ice cream? I hear you cry. Well do not fear here is the answer to all your questions....

Doesn't it look so good? Well let me tell you it tasted even better!

Ingredients
2 bananas
40g vanilla protein powder (I use Vegan protein by Arbonne)
50ml Almong milk
50-100ml cold water

Method
1. Cut your bananas up and freeze them over night in a container or jiffy bag
2. place bananas and the rest of the ingredients in your blender
3. Blend until smooth
4. Add a sprinkle of ground almonds or cinamon on top

And that is it ladies and gents. So simple, so delicious at only 372 Calories!!

What do you think, do you fancy ice cream for breakfast?

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GUILT FREE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

Who doesn't want to eat chocolate brownies guilt free? I sure do and these taste absolutely divine.  No flour, no sugar and no butter!

For 3-4 people:
1 medium sweet potato peeled and then grates
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp of honey/agave
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp coconut flour

Method:
Set oven to 180
1. Mix together the grated sweet potato, vanilla, egg, oilive oil and honey with a blender
2. Mix in the baking powder and baking soda.
3. Mix in the cocoa powder, then add coconut flour and mix together well.
4. Pour into a greased baking tray, I find using a silicone tray means there is no mess removing from the tray.
Cook for 25-30 minutes. 

et Voila!!

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Protein, Low Carb, No Guilt Pancakes Recipe

Wow my second recipe this month, I must be feeling opulent! This recipe is all about yummy scrummy no guilt pancakes!! With pancake day just passing I was seriously craving some fruity, fluffy pancakes when it struck me... what are the alternatives for this delicious treat? Low and behold... Protein, low carb, no guilt pancakes! Shazam!

 Ingredients

(makes 3-4 medium sized pancakes)

40g protein powder (I chose Arbonne Vanilla Protein powder)

40g Oats

2 Eggs

table spoon peanut butter

splash of almond milk 

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Use a blender for a smooth consistency.

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Detox Results!!!

Through out January and February I embarked on a Detox! I am not going to lie at first it was tough, very tough. Check out my update posts below

Not the 1st January Detox | Details
Week 1 Update| Not the 1st January Detox
Half Way update | Not the 1st January Detox
Not the 1st January Detox | Things keeping me going

But, I am very pleased to say my detox ended on the 4th February and here are my results

Overall experience
Detox, in particular caffeine and sugar withdrawl are not for the faint hearted. My head literally felt like there was a little army of men inside it with hammers. However, once the pounding headaches and wee trips every 45 minutes subsided around day 6-8, I really started to feel the benefit of not having those 2 devils in my life.  

As time went on my enegy levels improved massively. The biggest thing for me was having a constant energy level throughout the day, rather than feeling like I could fall asleep by 3pm. This actually improved my confidence too, I knew I could book meetings for later in the day and that I would still be raring to go.

At no point did I feel hungry. And I never felt like I was depriving myself.

I had a few remarks from people toward week 3 and 4 that I had lost weight and I could feel my jeans felt looser.

Results
I didn't actually weigh myself before and after because I did not want this detox to be about loosing weight. However, I definitely lost weight, perhaps as much as a jean size. My stomach is flatter, my love handles are a lot smaller and over all I look a lot healther.

My skin is also a lot better, I literally have had no spots or any redness on my skin. Thumbs up there.

Verdict
I absolutely loved how the detox left me feeling.  It changed the way I think about certain foods. In particular white bread, sugarry treats muffins cakes etc and caffeine. It is now 3 weeks since I officially finished my detox and I still haven't had any caffeine. And you know what? I don't want it because I know how much better I feel without it.  I have decided that this is now a way of life for me and I will be eating what ever I like at weekends but stick to the no added sugar, no white refined carbs during the week.

I also realised something else HUGE.  For years I had a very bad habbit of popping to costa or starbucks and grabbing a coffee and a muffin when I was hungry, instead of getting something healthy and nutritional. So when I couldn't have either of those things it foced me to get something else, like a salad and mint tea, that actually gave me energy.  I never even realised what I was doing... feeding my hunger with a coffee? how bad it that!

Tips 

• Choose a time to detox when you actually have a chance of succeeding. For example. if I had decided to do this over Christmas or when on holiday I just wouldn't have completed it and then felt bad about myself. 
• Get prepared. Have a plan and get healthy food supplies in ready. 
• Expect that it is going to be difficult.
• Decide what you will be having instead of coffee, it's half the battle. I decided that I would be having peppermint tea when I went to starbucks instead of a laté and thats what I had, there was no indecision.
•  Frozen blueberries and grapes were a lifesaver for me. A great snack.
• Protein/smoothie shakes of some sort are a great meal replacement (I chose Arbonne vanilla and chocolate protein because it's vegan and has no nasties)

I am so much happier with my body now, I had put on a bit of weight and it is all gone now. I am also a lot more confident, weather it is because I am proud of myself for sticking to the detox for a whole 30 days or because I have more energy, I'm just really chuffed with myself. 

 I would absolutely recommend doing it!!!

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NOT THE 1ST JANUARY DETOX | THINGS KEEPING ME GOING

I thought it might be quite nice if I gave you an insight in to the things keeping me going and helping me to avoid the sweet treats, caffeine and bread.

1. Chocolate protein shakes - These are divine. I have one for lunch or breakfast depending on how I feel. If I really fancy a desert or I am craving some cookies after dinner I will treat myself to one of these, or even half will do the trick (1 scoop instead of 2)

2. Frozen Blueberries - These are literally saving my life!! I have at least one box in the freezer at all times. I put them in smoothies/protein shakes and I eat them as they are.  The centre of the berry turns almost in to a sorbet like texture. I snack on these at least once a day.

3. Detox/Herbal Tea - I do not remember the last time I drank so much of this.  The great thing is that you will never run out of flavours as there are so many.  I am loving the Pukka Cleanse & Detox teas which I featured here . Plus you will end up drinking lots of water which is great!

4. Tomato sauces & whole grain Pasta - This is literally a life saver because you can pretty much add anything to the tomato sauces, onions, prawns, peppers, mushrooms. All good stuff and fills you up!

5. Walking the dog - Because I have been getting up earlier I am having more time in the mornings to walk my wee pooch. I grab a beaker of detox tea to keep me warm and go out for some fresh air. I walk about 10 minutes and it really gets me going and wakes me up in the morning.  Plus seeing Poppi running around happy keeps me going :-)

What are your health/detox tips that keep you going?

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HALF WAY UPDATE | NOT THE 1ST OF JANUARY DETOX

Hello lovelies!

Today I am going to give you a wee update on my Not the 1st of January Detox.

It is day 15 and I can't believe I am only half way, feeling like I have been doing this darned detox forever! It isn't all bad though, I have some good news too :-)

Day 10 - Day 12

Side Effects: Still weeing more than usual. Could be all the herbal tea I am drinking!

Feeling: great!

Body changes: Definitely looking slimmer and my stomach is flatter

Sleep: Still not managing to get to bed early :-(

Cheated? No! I am really enjoying how I am feeling so I don't want to. (still got problems with mobile phone management though!!)

Day 12 - Day 14

Side Effects: None

Feeling: Fantastic! Really energetic and great, can't quite believe the change!

Body changes: Lost a lot of bloating (realised how much bread I was eating before :-o)

Sleep: Feeling so proud of myself been going to bed before midnight and falling asleep within 15 mins!!! Seriously can not remember the last time that happened.

Cheated? Finding that I am happy to leave phone alone before bed because I have got so much more done through the day with my energy levels being a lot better

Day 15

Side Effects: Couldn't sleep last night. Brain was fairly active not 'buzzing' like I usually would be though

Feeling: The amount of energy and excitement I have each day is the best it has been for such a long time. At least a year.  Feeling so much happier that I am getting up earlier and getting more done throughout the day. Finding I don't really want to lounge about on the Sofa in the morning or afternoon.

Body changes: Stomach flatter. Thighs definitely slimmer, more room in jeans.

Cheated? Not with food. Was on phone for 10 mins last night when I got in to bed so maybe that was why I couldn't sleep :-( Or perhaps it was that Ross Kemp documentary that was giving me nightmares!!!

As you can probably see things have really improved for me. I can't quite believe how different I feel after 15 days of no caffeine and sugar.  Don't get me wrong I am missing my Latte's like nobody's business but I am wondering if I will go back to drinking them now or will I find an alternative? The thing is I am loving my regulated energy levels throughout the day. I use to be so up and down feeling like I am superwoman one minute and sleepy Sue the next.

Another bonus is that my skin is looking better, less blemishes and no sore under the surface spots so far so good!!

Wildfox Skeleton Earings*

I am excited to see what happens over the next 15 days!! Is anyone else on a detox at the moment or have you tried one before, let me know!!?

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Week 1 Update | Not the 1st January Detox

Pictured: Arbonne Vanilla Protein, Pukka Detox Teas, Arbonne Spray Vitamin D + B12, Almond Butter, Almond Milk

As some of you may know if you follow me on twitter or instagram (AshlyLondon) I am taking part in a 30 day Detox. Well I am not going to lie to you, this week has been pretty trecherous at times. I had the worst headaches all week and for 2 days it was seriously bad, and I never get sore headS. I am putting it down to the caffeine withdrawl. I was always one who said "But I don't drink a lot of coffee",  I would have one every second day.  But I was having about 10 cups of tea a day!!! Now that adds up to a lot of caffeine,  I had never even thought of it before, duh.

I am happy to say now the headaches have passed, thank god. Not for the faint hearted.

As I write this I am actually sitting comfortably in a caffee with a green tea resisting the sugary biscuits kindly given to me.  One thing I have realised is that I had been feeding hunger with a Coffee, usually a lovely vanilla or gingerbread Latté at that.  My body was craving nutrients so I fed it coffee? Go figure! But it was a habit.  I would be running around town doing my meetings and errands stopping for a coffee and a muffin rather than lunch! Who else does that?  So if this detox has taught me anything so far is that I can go without all the Lattes, have lunch instead and maybe have one afterwards if I still fancy it.

Day 1 - Day 3

Side Effects: Major Headaches, literally no energy, slightly spaced out and can't stop wee-ing!

Feeling: Crap.

Body changes: None that I can see.

Sleep: Bed early on first few nights as I was so tired. Slept for 12 hours on day 2.

Cheated? I had 2 bites of pastry from a chicken pie

Day 3-6

Side Effects: Major Headaches eased around day 5 and 6. Still wee-ing a lot.

Feeling: Proud I managed to stay away from the caffeine.

Body changes: Maybe stomach is a little flatter.

Sleep: Not been able to get to sleep earlier than 2am.

Cheated? Struggling to put phone away at night and switch off. Other than that no cheating!

Day 7-9

Side Effects: Headaches completely gone. Bladder back to normal.

Feeling: Much much better, more alert, more awake! Realising I don't need caffeine to give me energy.

Body changes: Stomach definitely flatter.

Cheated? I had 3 oatcake type biscouts but pretty sure they had sugar in them.

Another great thing about this detox is that I have been venturing a bit more in to cooking, making lots of vegetable soups. Usually at lunch I would have a panini or sandwich so very pleased with this, not missing bread at all, in fact I forgot it existed until I saw it in the fridge (thanks mum).

I have been absolutely LOVING my smoothies and protein shakes. I can't even explain how yummy they are.  I always associated 'protein shakes' as something body builders had after a work out to put on muscle, I didn't think they were for a little bunny like me. Alas I was sadly mistaken.  You can get varietys for building weight, but the ones I have been indulging in are full of 21 essential vinamins and nutrients with 20g of the best protein.  Completely Vegan! So the protein comes from Pea, rice and cranberries. Who would have thought? Such a delightful idea.  The ones I have chosen are by a brand called Arbonne and come in Vanilla and Chocolate (links below). You can get the powder form or pre made in a carton (handy on the go).

My favourite smoothie recipe at the moment getting me through, especially when I am craving a desert, is the Cinnamon Bun Smoothie. It is so yummy.

Where to get your supplies
Vanilla Protein Powder (Vegan, no nasties, no artificial flavours, no sweetners)
Chocolate Protein Powder (Vegan, no nasties, no artificial flavours, no sweetners)
Vanilla Ready Made Shakes (Vegan, no nasties, no artificial flavours, no sweetners)
Chocolate Ready Made Shakes (Vegan, no nasties, no artificial flavours, no sweetners)
Fibre Boost (Vegan, no nasties, no artificial flavours, no sweetners) <-- out of stock

Guys you will need a referal ID to purchase these. You can use: 441140274

I am actually excited about what will happen over the next week and how I will feel. Please let me know if any of you are following a detox or have ever though about it?

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Not the 1st of January Detox | Details

Hi all, a couple of days a go I told you I was going to embark on a little (or not so little) Detox.

And I start TODAY!  To be honest I am actually really excited, who isn't fed up of all the chocolate and massive amount of food we all consume over the Christmas period?

I will list all the details below in case you want to join in or use it in the future.  You will see that I am not doing a hugely strict juice diet or a maple syrup starve, I just think for me those type of things are too extreme and I am not doing this to loose weight.  It is more of a challenge for me and to get in to better habits choosing healthier options and getting fitter.

So here goes... Details below

Avoid: refined carbohydrates, anything white - bread, pasta, rice, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine

Do: Eat little and often, don't skip breakfast, slow down eating, exercise, rest well, stay motivated.

Example daily meals

Breakfast:

 1 chocolate or vanilla Protein shake with added fibre or a shake recipe, herbal tea, piece of fruit

Mid morning:
healthy snack (handful mixed nuts and seeds or berries with natural yoghurt)

Lunch:
soup or salad with lean protein like salmon and whole grains such as brown rice.

Mid afternoon:
healthy snack

Evening:
a well balanced healthy meal like stir fry with chicken. Healthy desert like fruit or homemade recipe (to come in future posts)

Exercise:  I'm going to pop along to the dance centre tomorrow and sign up for weekly ballet and Zumba classes.

Aims: be in bed by 11pm at night with technology away, read for 30 minutes. Up before 10am and no snooze button!!! I will also be doing 15 minutes of yoga everyday which I do off and on at the moment.

Join in with the hashtag #not1stjandetox

I would love to hear if anyone else is doing a detox or January health plan??

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Please note: I am not a nutritionist or doctor, I am sharing what I will be doing for educational purposes. Please seek your own advice before embarking on any new diet or detox. plan taken from Arbonne 30 days to fit.

My not the 1st of January Detox

I am so excited to be in a new year! Wahoooo.. goodbye 2013 hello 2014!!  To start the year of with a bang I have decided to challenge myself to a detox.  OMG I tell you this is not going to be easy for me because 1. I love coffee, sugar, cakes and 2. I hate exercise, the mere thought of it fills me with dread.  But for 30 days I am going to whip myself in to shape.  Why you may ask? I asked myself the same thing.  The answer is because I feel like my body could do with a good cleanse.. I am after all nearing 30 and need to start taking better care of it and also because I really want to challenge myself and get in to new good habits. So there we are.  I would love to hear if any of you are doing one?

My Goals

1. Do more exercise (3 times per week, although once a week technically would be more than I do now)
2. Join a new exercise class
2. Go to bed at a reasonable hour (11pm)
3. Read for 20 minutes before sleep
4. No technology after 11pm (urgh this is a hard one)
5. No Caffeine
6. Healthy food choices

So as you can see I am not on a majorly strict kick ass detox, nor am I trying to loose weight.  Maybe tone up a but but it is more about making better choices.

I have ordered some food and drink supplies so will probably start on the 6th January but I will update when I have an exact date and go in to more details on my meal plans etc.

I am actually really excited, although quite nervous.

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My Thoughts | Healthy Female Role Models

Recently I have been feeling a lot of pressure to go to the gym, eat right, look 'perfect' you know the usual. And although I am slim I think that no matter what size you are most women are critical of their body shape. Due to my circumstances at the moment it is harder for me to exercise and be the shape I usually am so I am being really hard on myself. But you know what.. I deserve a break! 

It is ok to work out and eat right to be a certain size as long as it is healthy and as long as your attitude is healthy. If you start thinking that you are only ok with yourself if you are a particular size and anything else means that you are not ok with yourself, I personally don't think this attitude is particularly healthy. It doesn't leave you any wiggle room and quite frankly means a lot of the time you will have low confidence and be unhappy with yourself. Constantly feeling pressure to remain the same or get back in to your jeans. I just feel that this is not a recipe for a happy life.

So with this in mind I started searching for some inspirational  pictures of women and to my horror all I came across were hundreds of posts supposedly for 'inspiration' with pictures of women like this. Please note that I have intentionally not included this picture in my post and linked it instead because I don't want it associated with my post. 

After seeing all these pictures it just made me feel worse about myself. And I did not want to do a post with pictures like that. I mean how is that suppose to make you feel better, seeing pictures of woman with immaculately tones figures, super flat stomachs and the pertest bottoms you have ever seen?

Because, I want to remind myself that I don't have to be stick thin or perfectly toned to be beautiful and being what ever way I am is beautiful and feminine! Even if that means love handles and tighter than normal jeans. Ask a man what he thinks is more attractive and he will undoubtedly say the females below.

So I want to share with you my inspirations of beautiful women who I think look amazing! 

>Please note that these are just a selection of women who I think have beautiful bodies. I am not saying you have to be this size or that size to be beautiful, women of all sizes are undoubtedly beautiful! I also want to add that I am not saying the woman in the picture I linked to is not ok the way she is, I am saying for me that is not a healthy size or aspiration for my body.

Love Always

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