Despite the barrage of sweet treats showcased on my Instagram or the three-day pasta fest that you saw in my last Weekly Vlog, the contents of my kitchen cupboards are surprisingly Whole Foods-like – man I love that place. Exercise too has been making its way up my agenda and all round I’m feeling like right now I’ve as good a hold on my fitness than I have, well….since P.E classes were mandatory fixture in my life. Let’s not get too carried away though; I still can’t touch my toes, feel abs, run around the block without a five minute retching session after and sometimes I just like/want/need to sit on my arse and gobble down a bag of toffee popcorn – but that’s what moderation is about right? My journey into the world of fitness may still be in the early stages, but this weekend I thought I’d share with you some nuggets of wisdom that I’ve picked up thus far:
1. All The Cliches. Plan your meals as far ahead as you can. Don’t go to the supermarket when you’re hungry. Clear all the naughty stuff out of your cupboards if you can etc, etc.
2. Be an Early Riser. My number one excuse for not exercising is not having enough time. There’s no excuse though if you get up 30 minutes earlier. For the past week I’ve been rising at 6am and dragging Mark out with me for a quick jog. I have to admit you do feel kind of amazing after and when you’ve already made a decent dent in your to-do list by 9am it’s well worth the painful wake-up call.
3. Recipe Rambling. There are so many amazing online resources when it comes to food that I think it may deserve a whole post of it’s own, though Hanna’s blog is probably my favourite of them all. In terms of books if you’ve never read the Clean and Lean Diet by James Duigan then get on Amazon now and Honestly Healthy by Natasha Corrett makes eating well look so darn appealing.
4. Get The Gear. Before working out became a more regular thing, I didn’t even own a pair of trainers. If I ever felt in the mood to get moving I had to do it in my pants, a vest top and on a towel. It just didn’t feel good. Now I’ve got my own little workout gear section in my wardrobe and my neighbours don’t have to witness me in my knick knacks doing star jumps.
5. Inspiration Nation. If ever I’m feeling sluggish in the morning (a.k.a most mornings) a quick browse through my Instagram feed is sure to put a rocket up my ass. A quick scroll reveals amazingly healthy, but tasty looking breakfasts, gym-selfies and women looking seriously strong and kick-ass. Take a look at my favourites by having a gander through my following list.
6. Curb that sweet tooth. This bit makes me sad, but we all know by now that sugar really ain’t the best thing to be feeding our bodies. Boo. When I’m craving something sweet I try and stuff some nuts in my mouth (I’m sure there’s a more elegant way of putting that), grabbing some fruit or even a spoonful of peanut butter does the trick sometimes. Medjool dates also dreamy if you’re fighting a proper craving.
7. The Internet Rocks. A quick surf of the web will serve up some amazingly comprehensive and mostly free exercise resources. Some may charge a little for an e-book download but it’s nowhere near the monthly gym membership card that will get dusty in purse. Blogilates and Fitness Blender are my favourites and both of their workout calendars are fab.
8. Do something BIG. Commit yourself. Take on some responsibility. For me I’ve signed up for next year’s Brighton Half Marathon along with my sister, our boyfriends and our Dad. The whole family affair thing did it for me, but the fact that I’m unable to even run a mile at the moment without feeling dizzy is both terrifying and extremely motivating. Just like the X Factor, it’s all about the journey.
9. Water, water, water. It’s been said time and time again, but keeping topped up with water is good for your body, mind and soul. I find having a pint of the stuff nearby at all times when I’m sitting at my desk or taking a mini water bottle out with me is the best method to get me glugging. It also means that I now have a constant radar on for where the nearest public toilet is.
10. Find your thang. What I enjoy most is HIIT or Pilates played out in YouTube form and carried out in the comfort of my own front room where I can curse, sweat and grunt until my heart is content. Give all sorts of sweat-inducing things ago before you settle on what you find most bearable…and fun.
Any to add? Right now I’m getting back to my bowl of mini eggs…
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