HEALTH & EXERCISE MONTHLY UPDATE ~ FOUR

So today is my birthday, whooray!!! I can not believe how fast 28 has found me. 

I am grateful for everything I have, do not have, for the people in my life and for those who are not. I was taught, everything for a reason and everything at its own time. Sometimes it is hard to appreciate such words when you had a plan in mind, sometimes we forget that we are not in charge someone up above is and once we allow him to take the lead all falls into place like dominoes.

For the last 30 days I have been hard at work with my T-25 and so far so good, I have a stronger core than when I started but still have long way to go. I am pushing through the exercises and every week I am getting stronger. I thought 25 short minutes a day worth of intensive exercise wouldn't be so bad but boy was I wrong. Yesterday I started week 5 of T-25 the Alpha round and boy am I in pain. Usually for each exercise once you done there is a 3 minute cool down exercise well clever me decided to skip that. Now I am sore and will be exercising shortly which puts me at a disadvantage but I need to continue so I can have the results I am looking for.

For the first 2 weeks of T-25 and Shakeology I was a true follower of both regimes but now I am faithful to T-25 as I can see the results every week but shakeology not sure so I am drinking it when I feel like it or as my regular morning smoothie. The third week I felt I was making more progress with T-25, I have lost inches off my waist and thighs and I have barely visible cellulite on back on my thighs. Week 4 I relapsed, I missed my Tuesday workout. This did throw me a little bit and took me till the end of the week to get back into the swing of things.

Here is to hoping week 5 will be better and a great preparation for the Beta phase of T-25.

Health Stats

72Kg (was 74 kg last month)

170m height

12-14 size.

I have a long way to go to reach my target on 60-65kg but I am not a quitter I will continue to work at it.

How are you doing on your health & exercise journey?

Health & Exercise Monthly Update ~ THREE

They say better late than never and I am practising that like a professor.

I made a decision over two months ago to share my health and exercise monthly updates with you and this post was meant to go live on the 28th of May but I was too tired up to even consider writing it so I thought I do that today.

Again I would definitely love to start by saying I have been hard at work but that would be fibs again. Since our last update {APRIL UPDATE}I managed to skip over to Seoul, south korea where I think I managed to lose and gain weight in at the same time. I will soon share my 'how not to go hiking post' and you will understand how I managed to achieve the lose and gain at the same time.

Whilst I was in Korea I ate all the wonderful foods I had seen in K-dramas that I think I put on a kilo in a space of 6 days but then I spent all those 6 days walking long distances up hill and added in a small 1.5km hike up the mountain. You can read about my South Korea travels HERE

Over the weekend (30/31 May) I started my Shakeology which I am absolutely loving and not exactly following to the letter but I am having my Shakeology every morning instead of my usual overnight oats. I have never used protein shakes in my smoothies before so this is quite interesting for me but since I have the vanilla flavour it's been really awesome.

Dinner #mince #eggplants #cucumber #tomatoes #supper #foodblogger #foodflirt #food #healthy #recipe #eats #feedme #instafood #foodphotography #foodgram

A photo posted by A July Dreamer (@myrabev) on Jun 1, 2015 at 11:38am PDT

The final week of May I spent so much time buying ready meals as I just moved into my new place and did not really have anything in the house but now I am stocked up and started my healthy eating journey.

I bought a blue ray DVD player but I am yet to start on my T-25 which I am excited and sacred at the same time about.

Health Stats

74Kg (was 75 kg last month)

170m height

12-14 size.

I have a long way to go to reach my target on 60-65kg but I am not a quitter I will continue to work at it.

How are you doing on your health & exercise journey?

Health & Exercise Monthly Update ~ TWO

I would like to start this post and say that for the last FOUR weeks I have been hard at work on my health and exercise goals but that will be telling fibs. Ever since my last 2x 5k runs I did last month I have not attempted to do another because the pain my poor old legs felt it was like no other. I was sore for a week at least before I started to feel like me again, I am sure those of you who do exercise are saying I should have continued and persevered through and continue as it would get better but after my first then my second heart attack (self-diagnosis) I do not think I will be taking 5k's easily any more. My biggest mistake was pushing myself too soon without doing the basics, I have not run for over 3 years now and then I got and do 5k without stopping let me just say big mistake huge. I should have paced myself and taken time to realise that my fitness levels from 3 years ago are not the same today especially since I do not really do any exercises.

So let us just say lesson learned and running on hold (if not permanently).

In the first healthy & exercise monthly update I shared with you my plans for getting back to my normal size of 65kilos. Though I have not done much of any of the ideas I shared I have been implementing more of meal planning and healthy eating. It is not easy to do healthy eating 24/7 with my 9-5 with managing two blogs, I am not saying impossible just saying not easy for me.

For the last two weeks I have been preparing overnight oats for my breakfast and honestly its the best decision ever, I have saved up so much time with overnight oats and since they are so easy to make it's awesome.

I have not yet started the shakeology nor the T-25 but my DVDs and shake have arrived and can not wait to begin. I am on holiday for a week and then busy with my brother's wedding plus moving so I am hoping to start the two programs at the end of May instead.

I have not really been drinking enough water or keeping myself hydrated enough unless tea counts as hydration then I am good. I am not really a water drinker unless flavoured water so I struggle a lot, my infuser bottle I shared in my first monthly post has been helpful but only when I have fruits left over from my overnight oats to use for water do I have it done.

As I have mentioned above, meal planning is going great. I cook once a week for the entire week and I switch up the sides to the dish I have prepared to give me variety and I love it.

If I do not cook in advance I have simple and easy to make meals but definitely staying away from the ready meals and takeaway.

Health Stats

75Kg (was 78 kg last month)

170m height

12-14 size.

I can see the change in myself with my healthy eating and I know once I start adding exercise I will be able to reach my goal before my next major holiday.

How are you doing with your health & exercise this month?

Health & Exercise Monthly update ~ ONE

A few weeks ago I was minding my own business when I went to the bathroom to shower and noticed the landlord had bought a new weight scale. As you do when a scale is watching you, you step on it and see how much pain you can inflict though in the end you feel the pinch and not the weight. So I stepped up onto the scale because it challenged me to and the numbers that appeared kind of shocked me big time. My weight has always fluctuated between 65kilo and 70kilo but this particular saturday evening the scale said EIGHTY (too scared to write the number) kilo. I was really shocked, ok maybe I have kind of maybe just been (90% of the time) more lazy than usual and not burning off anything I am eating but come on it's only been like a year since I last stepped on a scale and I swear I was 70 Kilos then. So I decided to take off all the clothes and check the weight again and yup confirmation received in big letters 78 kilos which is essentially EIGHTY with clothes on but who's counting it's still EIGHTY. This to say the least has woken me up to my atrocious weight gain and I need to change big time. I have identified my problem..laziness..followed by it's first cousin..junk foods. I know my need to lose weight is not going to happen overnight but I can certainly start paving the way for when the weight will start to drop off. I also know that the weight will not drop off all by itself, so I did a bit of research and decided I need the T-25 exercise program with the shakeology to go alongside it. I have also decided to start running again at lunch time during my work week as I did back in the day. I intend to do it slowly, I am not looking for quick results but lasting ones. So let us look closely into the programs I am going to be trying out in April;

T-25

I have been reading a bit about this program and also watched a handful of YouTube videos that people who on the program have been sharing. 25 intense minutes doing different types of exercise and burn calories, gain muscle tone and lose weight. I have ordered the complete DVDs and can not wait for them to arrive so I can start the program.

Shakeology

I came across this concept from one of the YouTubers I watch, she kept talking about the shakeology program which came with tips on what means to have on each day and what shakes to have on what day, basically a 30 calendar with meals and shakes to have on each day. Since I do not eat dinner unless I am out with friends I have decided when the shakeology arrives that's what I will use as meal replacement instead of breakfast or lunch. I need brain power to function at work and do not want to interfere with my breakfast.

Running

I am not the greatest runner around but I remember the feeling I got during and after running, once I started it I did enjoy it but I usually needed people to go with me but I have realised this is something I need to start doing alone slowly and maybe one day join a groups I see running.

Meal Planning

Most readers of this blog know I do meal planning every week, I started last year october when I made a decision to stop buying ready meals and ordering takeaway but cook my meals. Granted this year I have ordered dominos twice and thai food once but still I would rather cook than order pizza. Every week I cook a big pot of whatever meat I want and then only change up the sides. Sometimes I will have with salad or rice or pasta or even by itself especially if the meat has potatoes and carrot in it.

Hydration

Those who know me know I really don't like drinking water, I will drink any flavoured water you give me but I scrunch my nose when it's normal water. I do not know why but ever since we moved to the UK over 10 years ago now I absolutely disliked drinking water and since then I would avoid drinking water at all cost unless it was flavoured, in a juice or other beverage. When I was shopping for running water bottles I came across infuser water bottles and I knew my prayers had been answered. I quickly purchased an infuser bottle on amazon and requested for next day delivery. I has some strawberries and raspberries with me so I decided to bottle my new bottle to the test, let me say after 10-15 minutes of waiting for the water and fruits to infuse it did taste like the fruits though not sweet which is fine. I can now say I actually drink water. The bottle is 800ml so it's quite big and I love it.

Gym wear

Last month when I was visiting Boo we went shopping and he picked me up some nice work-out gear which I am eager to try out next week. The only thing that was missing were trainers and I had wanted trainers that were soft and comfortable and will support me when running of the roads. I picked up some AIR trainers from amazon with next day delivery. When they arrived I quickly put them on and put them to work -just walking not running yet. They are very comfortable and they breath too, I love the colour and how they make my feet feel which is awesome. I can not wait to have a run next week and see how well they work.

I have set myself high expectations but I know it will not be easy to achieve the results I want. So working hard, eating right and staying motivated is the rule.

{Review} Microbiome Plus & Giveaway

For those of us who have/had made a conscience decision to ensure 2015 is the year we look after our bodies be it losing weight, maintaining weight or even just toning up I want to bring to your attention another part of our bodies that we should be taking care of too. How well do you look after your gut? I know for a fact that last year even the years before that I did not really put much thought into caring for my gut but this year I have made a decision to ensure that I look after my gut properly. For the last 12+ days I have been taking Microbiome Plus+ from iShopNutrition, these are more complete and natural dietary supplements. I have never taken microbiome supplements before and I am usually sceptical with supplements because most don’t really do what they claim. The supplements I have been taking are gastrointestinal supplements and so far so good. Microbiome are organisms that we share our bodies with, generally they are non-pathogenic (don't cause disease) and they exist in harmony & symbiotically with the host (us) but they can cause diseases if they grow or mix abnormally and have been linked to the common obesity. Packed with this knowledge I decided to care for my gut by taking these microbiome supplements.

About the Product

MOST ADVANCED PRE & PROBIOTIC COMBINATION - 600mg of PREBIOTIC scFOS (Short-chain fructo oligosaccharides) combined with 3.5 Billion CFU of New Advanced ProBiotic L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 combine to provide a Synbiotic formulation that has been shown in clinical trials to help support normal inflammatory response in addition to supporting digestive health.

•SUPPORT MOOD & BOOST ENERGY - Poor nutrient absorption can leave you short on essential vitamins and minerals. Fatigue, irritability, and a lack of motivation are signs of nutrient deficiency. Probiotics develop a healthy microenvironment in the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract that optimizes nutrient absorption, giving you the positive energy and happy feelings to be your vibrant self.

•LOSE WEIGHT - Weight-loss research suggests that healthy microflora in the gut can speed your metabolism and support fat loss. Fat burning is more than just an exercise routine. For healthy weight loss, give your body the probiotic support it needs.

•Maintains balance of healthy bacteria

•IMPROVE & MAINTAIN HEALTH - Your gut is home to 80% of your immune system, where good bacteria (probiotics) battle with bad bacteria to prevent disease and relieve allergies, bloating, gas, and constipation. Probiotics replenish disease-fighting bacteria and help maintain digestive functions and immune health by controlling candida and yeast overgrowth.

Review

The tablets are huge in size compared to your normal vitamin supplements, in each pack there is two strips; one for a.m and one for p.m. What I know is there is no bitter taste with these supplements and though I am not a big fan on big tablets I have noticed that I am swallowing these in one go without a problem which is a big shock to me as taking tablets or supplements has never been fan for me. Please note these tablets are not for losing weight but to aid in weight loss if that is what you're working towards. So if you are always exercising or taking steps to lose weight these supplements will aid that. But if you're unsure I always recommend you check with your GP especially if you’re on other medications. I have noticed an improvement in my metabolism and a boost in energy, I cannot testify to mood as I am a happy person anyway so unless people have noticed something else I cannot say. I am happy to know that these microbiomes are supporting my inflammatory response and my immune system overall as this time of colds the last thing I want is to catch a cold.
Having checked out the iShopNutrition website I am convinced they know what they're doing, they sell vitamins, nutrients, supplements even body creams and body lotion. There website is easy on the eye and to navigate, they have a search functionality making it easier to search for products. Check them out and see if they can cater for your needs and if unsure about the supplements (which they supply different kinds) check with your GP (doctor).

Giveaway

The lovely people of ishopNutrition wants to give 5 of you a box containing 4 GI supplements and 1 bone supplement to try out for yourselves. The rules are simple, UK & Ireland entrants only.

Microbiome Plus Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent the supplements via bloggers required in order to facilitate this review, the opinions are my own and no other form of compensation was offered/received. Regardless I only recommend products which I see fit, can use myself or my family and does not interfere with my integrity.

{Health Tips} Top 3 Healthy Habits

When you think about healthy habits, what comes to mind? Do you think about your eating habits and question if you are eating healthy enough? Or do you think about the last time you exercise or went to the gym? Or do you completely ignore it because being healthy is different for everybody? I am guilty of these three, I check what I eat when I am talking about being healthy and also ask myself the last time I exercised and not necessary going to the gym but any simple exercise at home. When all else fails then I feel its important to think about my needs and I think 'being healthy' it is different for everyone. Today I will share with you my 3 healthy habits which I am still improving every day.

Cooking 
A long time ago I used to enjoy cooking and creating small but cute little meals in the kitchen, then things changed as I mentioned I went to university and moved in with people who enjoyed cooking and I wanted to take a seat back to be the one that enjoys someone else's cooking for a change. But now that we no longer living together and I am tired of eating ready meals (even if I picked the 'healthier options) I have decided to call upon my old love and start cooking again. My loyal readers remember and have seen me throw up a couple of simple and easy going recipes for the last few weeks and I am just growing stronger.

#recipe on the blog today http://myrabev.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/recipe-granola-breakfast.html

A photo posted by A July Dreamer (@myrabev) on Oct 10, 2014 at 10:56pm PDT

Walking
Ever since I left my parent's house for university then for my job I have always lived at least 15-20 walking distance away from the nearest bus stop or train stop to work. This has been a personal decision because I work in an office 9-5 and hardly have time to do any exercise so I figured a 15-20 minute walk to and from work is very beneficial for my health. Obviously at work I do not just sit without moving around but that is more to the kitchen, ladies or photocopier and that is all so I needed to incorporate more into my daily routine.

Cuteness all round

A photo posted by A July Dreamer (@myrabev) on Jul 7, 2014 at 10:33pm PDT

Drinking water and sleeping
Those who know me personally know that drinking water is a real struggle, I would rather drink orange juice, Fanta etc than drink water. I will drink water if the meal I am having calls for it or if the water is flavoured, I love flavoured water. Sleeping is very important, especially in this technological era we live in. I have noticed lately that if and when I switch off all my electronics 30 minutes to 1hr before bed I do get a very good nights' sleep and feel refreshed in the morning. If i am refreshed in I have the urge to cook and I am even happier to take the longer route to my bus stop than normal, the opposite is true if I don't get a good nights rest or my insomnia starts to act up.

This morning I have opted for a smoothie instead of cereal #Foodblogger #foodflirt #food #healthy #recipe

A photo posted by A July Dreamer (@myrabev) on Nov 11, 2014 at 2:32am PST

Last night I read this article 'Healthy habits aren't just for January' and I think that is so true, every January we make all these resolutions on how we are going to change for the new year and how will start exercising to which most do but by march most have burnt out. This article talks about benefits of walking when you can, planning meals in advance and cutting down on processed foods. What caught my attention was the mention of being 'office active' and what kind of problems you might suffer otherwise 'list not exhaustive'. I work in an office and I always try to spend 5 minutes every hour looking away from my computer screen, I will admit there are times when I forget because I am so caught up in whatever I am doing but is ok once in a while not constantly cause this could lead to eye problems, I know someone who is suffering with this 'looking at computer causes this person's eyes to go red and become painful'.

Being healthy is a personal choice, you only get one body treat it properly and care for it dearly. Only you know what healthy means to you and your body, there so many diseases in the world do not give them the upper hand work and fight for your body's well being. Being healthy does not need to be expensive, buy produce from farmers if possible they are normally cheaper than stores.

What are some of your healthy habits? Do you exercise or eat healthy?

{Fitness & Health} Improve your fitness routine with these gadgets

Hi there and welcome to another post on health, today will touch on fitness and gadgets. I will not fib I am still struggling to get back into my fitness regimen but I am working on it and thought maybe someone is also experiencing the same and would benefit from this post.
Need to start excercising or improve your existing fitness regimen?  Here are some products to help you be comfortable during and after exercise, keep motivated with music, track your progress and stay hydrated.

Balega socks

The Balega socks have great moisture management, comfortably cushion and all with a no-show tab that sticks out the back.
Balega - Outdoor Llc Little Big Run Sock - Small - $12.00, 6.00 shipping - Available at Title Nine

Sole - Sof Sole Arch Performance Insoles

Great for the walker or runner, or someone who is on their feet all day and experience foot fatigue.  These inserts add another layer of comfort.  They are baked in the oven at 200F for 2 mins, then you stand on them for 15 minutes.  It will provide just the right amount of support.
Sole - Sof Sole Arch Performance Insoles - $17.99, 2.50 shipping - Available at The Insole Store

CEP Compression - Night Running Compression Calf Sleeves

If you are experiencing issues with calf tightness, then you might want to invest in some calf sleeves. They help with tightness, soreness, shin splits, or even post run recovery.
CEP Compression - Night Running Compression Calf Sleeves - Mens - Neon Green - $31.85, 5.18 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
(1 reviews)

Nathan - HeadGasket Headband

As the temperature starts to get cooler you might need some running gloves and a light. The Nathan Head Gasket has a light in the front and back and charges via USB so no need for batteries.

Nathan - HeadGasket Headband - $24.99 (24% off), Free shipping - Available at 6pm.com

iGadgitz Gym Jogging Armband

These still has a protective screen but allows you to navigate your iPhone.

igadgitz - iGadgitz Black Reflective Anti-Slip Neoprene Sports Gym Jogging Armband for Apple iPod Nano 7th Generation 16GB - $8.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Monster Cable - iSport Victory In-Ear Headphones

Slightly pricey but these are comfortable, all weather and guaranteed to stay in your ears during a run.

Monster Cable - 128951 iSport Victory In-Ear Headphones - Green - $118.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Nathan - Firecatcher Hydration Race Vest

Stay hydrated with the Nathan Vest.  It has female friendly design with a easy adjust system and holds 2 liters of water. For men try the Nathan VaporWrap Race Vest.  If you don’t want a pack you can try the Nathan Quick Draw Handheld Bottle.

Nathan - Firecatcher Hydration Race Vest Nathan Blue, One Size - $63.95, Free shipping - Available at Holabird Sports

What other gadgets do you use with your fitness regimen? Do you have a fitness regimen?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

{Healthy Eating} Seeds that are superfoods

Hi there and welcome to another post on healthy eating, most of you know I have been practicing vegetarianism (not full blown or religiously) as a way to improve my diet. As I have mentioned countless times I am not turning into a vegetarian not that their is anything wrong with that but I am just trying to eat right and practice their discipline. If you like me are still searching for some healthy ways to get better nutrition into your diet, try some of these super seeds. They can be easily integrated into your eating plans or diet with out too much fuss and contain just the right amount of nutrition you need.

Organic White Chia Seeds

Called a superfood by some, Chia sees contain high levels of omega 3 fatty acids as well as high levels of fiber and minerals such iron, calcium, magnesium etc.
Enjoy them on your oatmeal or cereal, stir it into your veggie shakes or add to yogurt for a nutritious boost.  You can also try adding to baking goods.

Organic White Chia Seeds -- 12 oz - $9.33 (55% off), Free shipping - Available at PureFormulas
(8 reviews)

Eden Foods Dry Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Popular and known as Pepita in Mexico, they are rich protein, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium and some fatty acids.  They also contain L-tryptophan can also help with anxiety attacks, depression and mood disorders.
Enjoy them toasted by the handful or add them to your salads

Eden Foods Dry Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Original, 4 oz - $3.25, See Site shipping - Available at Tropical Traditions

Organic Hemp Hearts Raw Shelled Hemp Seed

A truly versatile plant, Hemp is used in a variety of products, from clothing to food.  It contains a high percentage of edible oils and fatty acids.

Enjoy them raw, ground in a powder, sprinkle into your favorite cereal or shake or use in baking.

Organic Hemp Hearts Raw Shelled Hemp Seed (12 oz) by Manitoba Harvest - $15.89, 5.59 shipping - Available at Amazon.com
(1 reviews)

Are you a fan of seeds? what are your favourite ones? I am new to them so all suggestions and advice are very welcome.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

{Recipe} Granola Breakfast

Hi there and welcome! Today I wanted to share with you a simple breakfast recipe with Jordan's Granola cereal I received in my September Degustabox. I have never been a fun of granola only because I never had the best like Jordan's granola. Today I decided to make my first official granola breakfast and here is my less than 5 minute recipe. 

Prep time <5 minutes:

1. Jordan's Granola cereal (or granola of your choice)

2. Natural Greek yoghurt 

3. Honey

4. Raisins

5. Banana

Place the granola in a cereal bowl, add the raisins to your desire then add the yoghurt. Once done peel the banana and chop into small pieces then top it all with a table spoon of honey. 

That's how I made my delicious granola breakfast, I just love love this little recipe and will be making a frequent appearances during my mornings. I am also enjoy someTwining's original chai & vanilla tea to go alongside my new favourite cereal. 

Do you like granola? How do you like your cereal?

{Recipe} Healthier and Easy to make Salad

Hi there and welcome to my first ever recipe post on “The Myrabev Life”, for the last two months I have been sharing with you all the lovely vegetarian books I have been reading and reviewing but I am yet to share with you some recipes that I either came up with or got the idea from the books. Today’s recipe I whipped up myself at work and it actually tastes really really good. This is the 2^nd most ‘Greens or produce’ containing food I have ever consumed in my adult life, like I mentioned in my last book review post – I grew up with a vegetarian lifestyle one not by choice but by necessity. I remember growing up back home and we used avocado (mashed up and added some sugar for taste) only on bread like you would peanut butter or butter so I was very surprised and shocked to see avocado used in salads, since then I have been on a mission to find a way I can have avocado in my salad. Today I am sharing with you my one little creation I am proud of and so excited to share.

Ingredients:

·         Assortment of beans plus herbs (red kidney beans, borlotti beans, cannellini beans, fresh spring onions, red onions, parsley, mint, sliced black olives) I used Three Bean Salad by Delphi which was marinated in olive oil and herbs.

·         Avocado

·         Tomatoes

·         Salt & black pepper

·         Assortment of salad leaves à I bought the Sainsbury assorted salad

·         Optional – German sausages 

Preparation time: under 5 minutes

1.       Cut up the tomatoes to your desired side and sauté with salt/pepper

2.       I prefer my salad leaves really small so I cut mine up and mix with the tomatoes

3.       Microwave the sausages for 1 minute, cut into small desired pieces

4.       Cut up the avocado, I had a whole one (was not too big)

5.       Lastly mix-up everything with the assortment of beans and add a little salt/pepper if you want.

 This is how I made my healthy salad (also vegetarian), it contains all the good stuff I need and the best part I still get my piece of meat (even if it’s just small German sausages). Let me know what you think of my little creation, I am just starting out with trying new things so am very excited for the exploring that I can do.

Your weight-loss Plan Link Party ~ #2

This is journey has been long overdue, I keep starting and stopping I just have no more motivation and as a self-proclaimed motivator I am lacking in that department. So much has happened and so much is going on that weight seems to one week be falling off like old clothes and the next is holding on tighter than a leech. I do not know where to to begin as I seem to be taking 5 steps forward and 15 back and that's really demotivating. So what am I going to do about it? Am I going to see here and feel sorry for myself? That's negatory staff Sargent, I am getting off my ass and doing some exercise and I don't care how "some" so long as I get in any useful exercise I am happy.

So here is the goal and the plan to help me reach that goal!

Goal --> Go back to size 10 (flat with no extras)

Plan

• Healthy eating --> This is easier said than done but I have a solution. I rent a room in a family house and I do not feel comfortable cooking and I only eat cooked meals when I see my parents over the weekend so instead I buy ready meals which I microwave at work (I don't eat at night). So I have now started buying "Healthier" meals from M&S and getting more vegan options than non-vegan (BTW I am not vegetarian). I have also decided to get my own place so I can get back to cooking and baking, I felt great over my weekend birthday baking a cake after a 2 year hiatus.
• Exercise --> I like the idea of exercise from the comfort of my own place in this case my room but it is too small and I am limited to the exercises I do. But with prospect of a new place I can do more exercises without fearing I will make too much noise if I try to jump.
• Drinking water --> To many people this is so easy to me this is so hard, I just find it so hard to drink water. The water I drink is either flavoured or in some sort of juice or tea never just plain water as the taste brings back memories of when I had malaria and had to drink quinine with nothing but water and the taste is just revolting makes me shiver even now.
• Resting --> This again to some may sound weird but when you got insomnia its not that far fetched, when I finish work (9-5) I get to my place respond to person e-mails|blog|watch TV| then by 9:30/10pm I switch off everything and it's time for bed. Most times I sleep fine from 10pm till 5am but other time 3 hours is enough for my body but not for me. I want to stay in bed a little longer which I do but with eyes wide open. Most times I am up by 3am do all the recommended to go to sleep and nothing happens so I blog until I fall asleep but thats usually 5 minutes before my alarm which I hear quite clearly so I just get up shower and go to work. Spend my 8hours and back like a zombie sleep another 3 hours and again the cycle begins. Now I am used to it and make use of that time, reading, blogging and now exercising. 

This is my plan for losing weight and reaching my goal, link up below and share your plan. Share as many posts as you want

Your weight loss plan link party - #1

Welcome to the “Your weight loss plan link party” hosted by Myrabev (AKA me), I have started this link party to bring bloggers both male and female together to share their plans and there progress so far. Each week I will be featuring FOUR bloggers, whose journey or plan has inspired me or has been most talked about. I encourage you all to visit one another and support each other as we try and share our tips on for losing weight.

Twitter|Facebook|Bloglovin|YouTube|

Rules & Deets

• This link party will run from Sunday till the following week Saturday
• Please follow your host, this is not mandatory but is greatly appreciated and if you interested in co-hosting please e-mail me: myrabev@ajulydreamer.com
• Link up max TWO weight loss posts (I will be reading all and checking so please be considerate)
• Please feel free to pin this link party or your favourite post
• Spread the love and visit the two posts before your own
  
  
  **My journey so far has been firstly monitoring what I eat with my fitness pal app, got it on my iPhone with several other apps which have different exercises and motivational tips**
   
  

{Guest Post} Top 5 tips on Healthy eating on Holiday

Hi there! today  I have a special guest whose blogging today for me whilst I am away. Her names is Jemma and she is just the sweetest person you ever came across. I love this post because she has given me quite a lot of ideas whilst I am enjoying Munich with the family. I hope you will enjoy the post as much as I did (still do) when I received it and don't forget to send her some love by checking out her blog.

The traveling season is just around the corner and this ultimately takes us away from our normal routine.  I’m all for having fun on holiday and taking a break, that’s what holidays are for.  Seeing the sights and enjoying new and wonderful foods are all part of the experience.  However, if you are following a healthier lifestyle alarm bells may start ringing about the prospect of potentially piling on the pounds whilst you are away.

Drink lots of water

More often than not, when our bellies rumble we automatically think that we are hungry.  However, hunger pangs can also signify thirst.  Before reaching for a snack to quench your hunger try drinking a glass of water first to make sure that you are not thirsty.  Obviously if the hunger persists then reach for that snack. Additionally, drinking water over fizzy drinks will cut down your sugar intake massively, keep you hydrated and keeps your skin looking radiant.  You can also add a slice of lemon or lime to jazz it up a little bit.

Pile on the veggies

Sectioning off your plate in to three parts for protein, vegetables and carbohydrates can help increase your consumption of vegetables whilst on holiday.  Allocate half of your plate to vegetables or salad and then a quarter to protein and the other quarter to carbohydrates.   This way you can still enjoy all of your favourite foods in reasonable amounts, but still get a veggie packed meal to boot.

Healthy does it

Portion control

Let’s be honest, when on holiday it is very easy to let those portion sizes slide.  I’m all for giving your body what it needs, but listening to your body also means knowing when you are full and eating consciously.  Of course still enjoy the food on offer, but remember to keep your portions in check as you may end up eating more food that your body needs.

Be realistic

Going on holiday is no time to diet and lose weight; it’s time to have fun.  At the end of the day being restrictive and banning certain foods can lead to gorging on unhealthy foods later on.  It’s more about maintenance and not going too overboard, but still remembering to enjoy yourself too.

Remember to eat snacks  

You should never ignore your hunger pangs, do check before eating a snack that you aren’t actually thirsty first.  Having a healthy snack such as fruit, nuts, Greek yoghurt or a smoothie and help you to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent you from over eating on your next meal.

The main thing is to enjoy yourself and have fun.  There is no point worrying about piling on the pounds on holiday as you might as well have stayed at home.  Ideally the key is to balance things out with lots of water and veggies to lessen the blow of all of that delicious food.

This post was written by Jemma Andrew-Adiamah, author of the UK healthy living and lifestyle blog Celery and Cupcakes.  You can follow Jemma via her Facebook and Twitter feeds.