So I'm back from holidays... (I have mixed feeling about this LOL!)
The week before I left we had some daily challenges on our Facebook page.
If you missed them, don't worry, they are still there in the notes section :) Click here!
I had a lot of positive feedback during the week that you were getting a lot out of these little daily challenges.
EXCELLENT! Very happy to hear that :)
I tried to structure these challenges so they were achievable for everyone.
Each day's challenge had three components: A nutritional, fitness and life element.
There was a reason for this.
I believe to really live VIVIDLY we need to embrace healthy living in all aspects of our lives.
While exercise and nutrition may seem obvious places to partake in this healthy living, none of it would be possible without the mental focus, enthusiasm, passion, drive, determination and strength to do it.
By adding in the 'life' challenges, both the more 'serious' ones like writing lists goals, as well as the more 'light hearted' ones like dancing around to your favourite song up really loud, my hope was that your MIND and HEART would be opened to a new way of LIVING that is about so much more than just being able to do push ups on your toes.
Being in the right head space to make a change is PARAMOUNT. It is the only way to succeed.
It takes self belief, self love and commitment.
You have to love yourself enough to know that the benefits you will walk away with through small changes and challenges, such as the ones I set, will HUGELY outweigh any sacrifice you had to make along the way.
It's easier said than done. I know.
Sometimes you need a kick start. A reason. A support crew. A CHALLENGE!
VIVID is about me helping to give you that kick start and then supporting you along the way with tips, more challenges, words of encouragement praise and congratulations. Why? Because I REALLY believe that living a healthy, fit, VIVID life is REALLY important!!! EVERY aspect of your very being will benefit - from your head to you toes and everything inside and out and in between :)
Living VIVIDLY will set you up to be much more capable of handling real challenges in life, not just the ones I set out for you ;)
I believe in the 'glass half full' approach to life. Take responsibility for your life, to make the change, to smile more, to be POSITIVE. It's not always easy to have this attitude I know. However, making a simple promise to yourself that you will try may be all you need to do to start a shift in attitude.
My biggest tip in this area though, is to surround yourself with people who will support your healthy decisions and not put up obstacles or give you a hard time. It may seem strange to think that the people we love wouldn't want the best for us but without even realising it sometimes they stand in our way. No need to bulldoze them down to get to your goals. Just accept that that not everyone has the same ideas but stay true to what YOU want. Find someone or somewhere that you feel supported. If that place is Vivid, great!
Now, back to those challenges. You can redo that week of challenges anytime you want to. Sometimes you might just feel like you need a bit extra to get you going or keep you focused.
My REAL challenge to you now though, is to implement as many of those challenges into your everyday life as you can and start to live VIVIDLY! I dare you :)
I know that when reading these posts how you feel is a very personal thing so I don't expect responses ;) However, I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas and questions if you are comfortable to share and ask.
Jen
xx
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Being Mum
With it being Mother's Day I thought it was the perfect time to write about us Mums :)
As Mums, we are pretty awesome.
We carry our children for 9 months then bring them into the world.
We endure sleepless nights. crying (us and the baby!). sore nipples. poo. wee. spew. back ache.
Our world is turned UPSIDE DOWN in a way that NO ONE cold have ever explained or prepared us for.
All of a sudden it's not about you anymore...although you wouldn't have it any other way, you've been introduced to love in a way you didn't understand before.
Life gets busy. From nappies to school lunches and everything in between it's easy to find "you" at the bottom of the list.
We convince ourselves that we are doing the right thing by our kids and or family. Time away from them often comes with a dreadful feeling of guilt.
My mothers day gift to you is to take away that guilt and spin it around to another way of thinking for you :)
I put it to you that you, your kids and partner will benefit GREATLY from you taking time for yourself to live a healthier life. You can be a BETTER Mum, a better PERSON by being healthy. You will be less likely to resent your kids for "stealing" your body and all your time if you free yourself from the preconceived idea that you don't deserve to be the very best version of yourself you can.
I am not just talking about the physical benefits. The mental benefits gained from exercising are HUGE!! I used to joke during combat classes that it was like cheap marriage counseling, but I wasn't really kidding! I know first hand the difference in my mood and my ability to cope with my kids and life in general when I am active. Going for a walk to "clear your head" does just that, or at least gives your thoughts space to sort themselves out.
How can setting the example of healthy living be anything but beneficial to your kids? I've said before that I want to be the kind of Mum that is able to join in with my kids and that I want a healthy lifestyle and healthy choices to be the "norm" to them. Just like good manners :)
It is not always easy and there will be hurdles. Here are some tips to deal with a some of those hurdles.
TIME
Time is a precious commodity and it can seem hard to fit it all in. When it comes to your kids activities, however, you MAKE it happen, you fit it in. Well you DESERVE to fit it in too! Make being active a regular, non negotiable part of your week. You do DESERVE it!
BEHAVIOUR REWARDS
How many of you reward good behaviour with a food treat or ? (I put my hand up here...) Instead I'm going to start rewarding my kids with a game of chasey, a bike ride together, a trip to rollerdrome/the beach. That way we are spending quality time together with a healthy outcome. Also having "treats" (like a multipack of mars bars) up the top of the cupboard can be deadly to you. Remove temptation, if it's not there you can't eat it. Instead if this is your reward of choice, next time you are at the shops buy ONE food treat for your child.
So that's the kids, but we do it too! Do you ever say to yourself "I worked out today so I deserve this chocolate"? STOP! Don't do it! Don't sabotage yourself. If you are going to the gym/exercising and wondering why you aren't losing weight maybe this is why. Remember weightloss it is 70% what you put in your mouth and only 30% physical activity.
LEFTOVERS
I can put my and up for this one too. Are you eating your kid's scraps, even in lieu of a meal of your own? Do you order a salad but end up eating half a bowl of your child's chips? STOP it! First of all you deserve to have your own plate of healthy delicious food not just your kids scraps or if you've already had your own plate and finish theirs off to it's extra calories you don't need and they become mindless, forgotten calories. Also keep in mind though, that if you make healthy food choices for your kids and you do snack on their scraps it not going to be so bad ;)
If you have other tips to share, please do! Or if there is something you would like help dealing with ask away and I will do what I can to help :) Comfort eating is a common thing for Mums too but I will be writing about that another day.
This mothers day give yourself the gift of a little bit of time to go for a walk/jog/swim/dance/etc and know that having a healthy Mum is the BEST gift you can give to your kids.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Jen
xx
As Mums, we are pretty awesome.
We carry our children for 9 months then bring them into the world.
We endure sleepless nights. crying (us and the baby!). sore nipples. poo. wee. spew. back ache.
Our world is turned UPSIDE DOWN in a way that NO ONE cold have ever explained or prepared us for.
All of a sudden it's not about you anymore...although you wouldn't have it any other way, you've been introduced to love in a way you didn't understand before.
Life gets busy. From nappies to school lunches and everything in between it's easy to find "you" at the bottom of the list.
We convince ourselves that we are doing the right thing by our kids and or family. Time away from them often comes with a dreadful feeling of guilt.
My mothers day gift to you is to take away that guilt and spin it around to another way of thinking for you :)
I put it to you that you, your kids and partner will benefit GREATLY from you taking time for yourself to live a healthier life. You can be a BETTER Mum, a better PERSON by being healthy. You will be less likely to resent your kids for "stealing" your body and all your time if you free yourself from the preconceived idea that you don't deserve to be the very best version of yourself you can.
I am not just talking about the physical benefits. The mental benefits gained from exercising are HUGE!! I used to joke during combat classes that it was like cheap marriage counseling, but I wasn't really kidding! I know first hand the difference in my mood and my ability to cope with my kids and life in general when I am active. Going for a walk to "clear your head" does just that, or at least gives your thoughts space to sort themselves out.
How can setting the example of healthy living be anything but beneficial to your kids? I've said before that I want to be the kind of Mum that is able to join in with my kids and that I want a healthy lifestyle and healthy choices to be the "norm" to them. Just like good manners :)
It is not always easy and there will be hurdles. Here are some tips to deal with a some of those hurdles.
TIME
Time is a precious commodity and it can seem hard to fit it all in. When it comes to your kids activities, however, you MAKE it happen, you fit it in. Well you DESERVE to fit it in too! Make being active a regular, non negotiable part of your week. You do DESERVE it!
BEHAVIOUR REWARDS
How many of you reward good behaviour with a food treat or ? (I put my hand up here...) Instead I'm going to start rewarding my kids with a game of chasey, a bike ride together, a trip to rollerdrome/the beach. That way we are spending quality time together with a healthy outcome. Also having "treats" (like a multipack of mars bars) up the top of the cupboard can be deadly to you. Remove temptation, if it's not there you can't eat it. Instead if this is your reward of choice, next time you are at the shops buy ONE food treat for your child.
So that's the kids, but we do it too! Do you ever say to yourself "I worked out today so I deserve this chocolate"? STOP! Don't do it! Don't sabotage yourself. If you are going to the gym/exercising and wondering why you aren't losing weight maybe this is why. Remember weightloss it is 70% what you put in your mouth and only 30% physical activity.
LEFTOVERS
I can put my and up for this one too. Are you eating your kid's scraps, even in lieu of a meal of your own? Do you order a salad but end up eating half a bowl of your child's chips? STOP it! First of all you deserve to have your own plate of healthy delicious food not just your kids scraps or if you've already had your own plate and finish theirs off to it's extra calories you don't need and they become mindless, forgotten calories. Also keep in mind though, that if you make healthy food choices for your kids and you do snack on their scraps it not going to be so bad ;)
If you have other tips to share, please do! Or if there is something you would like help dealing with ask away and I will do what I can to help :) Comfort eating is a common thing for Mums too but I will be writing about that another day.
This mothers day give yourself the gift of a little bit of time to go for a walk/jog/swim/dance/etc and know that having a healthy Mum is the BEST gift you can give to your kids.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Jen
xx
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Real Inspiration #2
Here is the next inspirational story for you about another one of my lovely participants another "Real" Mummy.
I met Lisa when she came to my RPM classes at Surge. She no longer lives in Perth as she moved back to New Zealand, but through the wonderful world of Facebook, we have managed to stay in contact.
She is is someone who shares my passion for health and fitness and when she asked if I would like to share her story on her 12 week journey to looking HOT I said OF COURSE!!
I think there are a lot of us Mum's out there who resign ourselves to a changed body after kids. While this is true to a point, Lisa's story (and pics!) show us that this doesn't necessarily have to be the case.
It also shows us that a bit of hard work and a lot of determination and having goals pays off!
Jen
xx
Over to you Lisa...
After two kids I was finding it very hard to get my body back. My body was slowly getting bigger and bigger. I had not even realized how big I had become, things were spinning out of control.
I guess with being busy being a mum I just kinda forgot about me ( I would of course have had it no other way, my kids were my life but something had to give) Also to be honest I got to a point where I just accepted that this was me.
The turning point for me was moving to Perth from New Zealand. It had been about 7months since arriving in Perth.
I remember being so very very homesick from my twin sister and her kids, I was feeling so alone and on top of all this I was feeling very unhealthy and over weight. I really did not know what to do.
I recall going to the library and a Women's Health Mag caught my eye. I went home and that night pulled the mag out and that's when I saw a competition, The bodyblitz 12 -week challenge, a competition run by women health and fitness mag. A warm feeling warmed my heart...this was the answer!
I decided to enter in hopes of winning so that I could win and be featured in the next month issue and then be in the draw to win the year prize and get a chance to win a trip to a chosen destination. My goal was to win and get the chance to go see my family in NZ whom I missed so so bad. With the vision of seeing my twin sister and her kids their was no stopping me, NOTHING would stand in my way.
I joined the gym and it was all go. I will always remember the personal trainer who wrote my programme for me, suggesting that it may not be a easy task and a Personal trainer would really help, however I could not afford one. So full of confidence I said, "I'll do it, you will see".
The whole12 weeks I would go at night to the gym, this was the only time it could fit in. I was on the biggest journey and finding myself and I was loving it.
I did two different workout programmes in the 12 weeks. My first programme was a full body programme and I also did group classes (my fav was body pump and RPM).
I allowed myself one day of a cheating and although it sounds rather greedy lol I made sure it was not only one meal I cheated on but the whole day. This really helped keep me on track and confused my body.
At the end of the 12 weeks I sent my final photo's off. It took ages for them to reply and when I did not hear I knew I had not won, not that it mattered cause I was a winner in my eyes and nothing could take away the pride and achievement I felt.
I then gave my story to another health mag and to my surprise was asked if it could be in their next issue, unfortunately, I could not as I had plans on going to NZ for a holiday, so could not make the photo shoot ( I know I still cant believe it).
So here I am now nearly 2 and half years or so on and I am still loving this way of life. I have found my calling, my passion and now are going to train to become a Personal trainer so that I can help to inspire others and let them know that they can do it and all it takes is believing that they can.
Here's a link that I am on ( hehe the monthly winner)
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/transf164.htm
I met Lisa when she came to my RPM classes at Surge. She no longer lives in Perth as she moved back to New Zealand, but through the wonderful world of Facebook, we have managed to stay in contact.
She is is someone who shares my passion for health and fitness and when she asked if I would like to share her story on her 12 week journey to looking HOT I said OF COURSE!!
I think there are a lot of us Mum's out there who resign ourselves to a changed body after kids. While this is true to a point, Lisa's story (and pics!) show us that this doesn't necessarily have to be the case.
It also shows us that a bit of hard work and a lot of determination and having goals pays off!
Jen
xx
Over to you Lisa...
After two kids I was finding it very hard to get my body back. My body was slowly getting bigger and bigger. I had not even realized how big I had become, things were spinning out of control.
I guess with being busy being a mum I just kinda forgot about me ( I would of course have had it no other way, my kids were my life but something had to give) Also to be honest I got to a point where I just accepted that this was me.
The turning point for me was moving to Perth from New Zealand. It had been about 7months since arriving in Perth.
I remember being so very very homesick from my twin sister and her kids, I was feeling so alone and on top of all this I was feeling very unhealthy and over weight. I really did not know what to do.
I recall going to the library and a Women's Health Mag caught my eye. I went home and that night pulled the mag out and that's when I saw a competition, The bodyblitz 12 -week challenge, a competition run by women health and fitness mag. A warm feeling warmed my heart...this was the answer!
I decided to enter in hopes of winning so that I could win and be featured in the next month issue and then be in the draw to win the year prize and get a chance to win a trip to a chosen destination. My goal was to win and get the chance to go see my family in NZ whom I missed so so bad. With the vision of seeing my twin sister and her kids their was no stopping me, NOTHING would stand in my way.
I joined the gym and it was all go. I will always remember the personal trainer who wrote my programme for me, suggesting that it may not be a easy task and a Personal trainer would really help, however I could not afford one. So full of confidence I said, "I'll do it, you will see".
The whole12 weeks I would go at night to the gym, this was the only time it could fit in. I was on the biggest journey and finding myself and I was loving it.
I did two different workout programmes in the 12 weeks. My first programme was a full body programme and I also did group classes (my fav was body pump and RPM).
I allowed myself one day of a cheating and although it sounds rather greedy lol I made sure it was not only one meal I cheated on but the whole day. This really helped keep me on track and confused my body.
At the end of the 12 weeks I sent my final photo's off. It took ages for them to reply and when I did not hear I knew I had not won, not that it mattered cause I was a winner in my eyes and nothing could take away the pride and achievement I felt.
I then gave my story to another health mag and to my surprise was asked if it could be in their next issue, unfortunately, I could not as I had plans on going to NZ for a holiday, so could not make the photo shoot ( I know I still cant believe it).
So here I am now nearly 2 and half years or so on and I am still loving this way of life. I have found my calling, my passion and now are going to train to become a Personal trainer so that I can help to inspire others and let them know that they can do it and all it takes is believing that they can.
Here's a link that I am on ( hehe the monthly winner)
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/transf164.htm
Sunday, May 1, 2011
You are what you eat
I know it is an old cliche but never a truer word was said and there is a reason everyone knows this old saying.
I decided to pay attention to it for the first time properly just a few months ago.
I have always been somewhat conscious of what I've eaten. Never a big takeaway eater, always the low fat version of things and, up until recently, the "diet" versions too.
What was I really putting inside my body though? What was I feeding my family?
I started reading information that was out there. I started reading the labels a little more.
Turns out low fat or "diet" often means lots of sugar/fructose or artificial sweeteners and flavours, none of which are good for you.
I decided to make a change.
I was going to adopt the idea of a truly natural way to nourish the body, eating only things that came from the ground or had a mother.
So I cleaned out my fridge, my pantry and my freezer.
Out went the prepackaged (and quite a lot of out of date things too!)
We replaced white rice with brown, pasta with wholemeal, white bread with wholegrain. Wholemeal flour instead of white, raw sugar instead of refined.
No more prepackaged sauces or meals in a jar. No more cordial or "juice", more water.
Fat free but natural pot set greek style yoghurt, instead of artificially sweetened "diet" yoghurt.
LOTS of fresh fruit and veg, herbs, lentils, fresh meat (as opposed to processed ham etc), nuts/seeds, beans...
Less preservatives and additives, less "numbers".
More REAL food.
For me, for my family this is something to live by, not just a fad or one month trial. Because of this there is a flexibility within this lifestyle choice. There is room for indulgences like easter eggs and birthdays etc because the are the exception, NOT the rule. The kids really only put up a fight when it came to the bread but I wasn't going back so neither were they - they have gotten used to it now ;)
If you are what you eat then I am very happy to be a more wholesome, REAL version of what I was before :) I have also found that with living and eating this way there comes a clear conscience, a clarified mindset and approach to life. It's amazing how much the wrong food choices can weigh you down mentally.
I have not done this as a way to lose weight but as a way to live a more authentically. If however, you are looking to shift some weight I highly recommend this. Quite simply if it's not there you can't eat it!!!!!!!!
Contrary to what some believe it is not more expensive to eat this way. It does, however take a little bit of planning. So you may be a slightly time poorer, but we are only talking minutes here and when dealing with your HEALTH and WELL BEING that is a small sacrifice.
I am no dietician and will not give you a plan to follow I am simply sharing with you my experience.
I HIGHLY recommend buying yourself a copy of Michelle Bridges Crunch time cook book, it is BRILLIANT! As is Jillian Michael's book Master Your Metabolism and the follow up, The Master Your Metabolsim Cookbook.
There are plenty more posts to come with my tips on how to use your nutrition to lose weight and fuel your fitness but I believe this sets you up on the right platform to nourish your body well and help you live more VIVIDLY!
Jen
xx
I decided to pay attention to it for the first time properly just a few months ago.
I have always been somewhat conscious of what I've eaten. Never a big takeaway eater, always the low fat version of things and, up until recently, the "diet" versions too.
What was I really putting inside my body though? What was I feeding my family?
I started reading information that was out there. I started reading the labels a little more.
Turns out low fat or "diet" often means lots of sugar/fructose or artificial sweeteners and flavours, none of which are good for you.
I decided to make a change.
I was going to adopt the idea of a truly natural way to nourish the body, eating only things that came from the ground or had a mother.
So I cleaned out my fridge, my pantry and my freezer.
Out went the prepackaged (and quite a lot of out of date things too!)
We replaced white rice with brown, pasta with wholemeal, white bread with wholegrain. Wholemeal flour instead of white, raw sugar instead of refined.
No more prepackaged sauces or meals in a jar. No more cordial or "juice", more water.
Fat free but natural pot set greek style yoghurt, instead of artificially sweetened "diet" yoghurt.
LOTS of fresh fruit and veg, herbs, lentils, fresh meat (as opposed to processed ham etc), nuts/seeds, beans...
Less preservatives and additives, less "numbers".
More REAL food.
For me, for my family this is something to live by, not just a fad or one month trial. Because of this there is a flexibility within this lifestyle choice. There is room for indulgences like easter eggs and birthdays etc because the are the exception, NOT the rule. The kids really only put up a fight when it came to the bread but I wasn't going back so neither were they - they have gotten used to it now ;)
If you are what you eat then I am very happy to be a more wholesome, REAL version of what I was before :) I have also found that with living and eating this way there comes a clear conscience, a clarified mindset and approach to life. It's amazing how much the wrong food choices can weigh you down mentally.
I have not done this as a way to lose weight but as a way to live a more authentically. If however, you are looking to shift some weight I highly recommend this. Quite simply if it's not there you can't eat it!!!!!!!!
Contrary to what some believe it is not more expensive to eat this way. It does, however take a little bit of planning. So you may be a slightly time poorer, but we are only talking minutes here and when dealing with your HEALTH and WELL BEING that is a small sacrifice.
I am no dietician and will not give you a plan to follow I am simply sharing with you my experience.
I HIGHLY recommend buying yourself a copy of Michelle Bridges Crunch time cook book, it is BRILLIANT! As is Jillian Michael's book Master Your Metabolism and the follow up, The Master Your Metabolsim Cookbook.
There are plenty more posts to come with my tips on how to use your nutrition to lose weight and fuel your fitness but I believe this sets you up on the right platform to nourish your body well and help you live more VIVIDLY!
Jen
xx
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