“Diet starts tomorrow” – I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve said this on Sundays.
Throughout January, I tried various techniques to detox my body and encourage weight loss following an over-indulgent Christmas.
Conclusion: I cannot stick to a diet.
My level of will-power is embarrassing so quick-fix diets are definitely not for me.
My focus for February onwards: a healthy lifestyle – cooking nutritious food and training hard.
The exercise:
Committing to a healthy lifestyle rather than a ‘diet’, is by no means the easy option, though. My alarm goes off at 6.15am at least three mornings per week, when I head straight to the gym for 30 minutes of cardio circuits or an abs blast workout before I reach the office.
Before breakfast is the best time to work out!
Although exercise is encouraged at any point in the day, experts say the best results come from those who train first thing. And I’d have to agree.
My energy levels are at rock bottom after a ten hour day at work, so I find it best to get it out of the way at the start of the day. No excuses!
Food and drink:
After a few weeks of eating ‘low calorie’, ‘low fat’, ‘sugar free’ and ‘balanced diet’ ready meals, shakes and juices – I’ve decided to make the move to homemade.
Not only do I know exactly what ingredients and quantities are in my snacks and meals, it’s also much cheaper!
Ok, so the major downfall is that it’s time-consuming. But if it works, it’s worth it, right?
Top three recipes
- Breakfast mug-cake
Top tip: Once you’ve baked your breakfast mug-cake in the microwave, tip it on to a plate a grill it for a couple of minutes extra for a golden finish.
2. Smashed avocado and feta on rye
This is a quick and healthy lunch that’ll keep you fuller for longer.
Top tip: For added flavour and nutritional benefit, I reduced the amount of cheese and replaced this quantity with some chopped some fresh tomatoes.
3. Peanut butter protein bake
I’m rather proud of my protein bar invention! Buying these from the shops would cost me on average £2.20 per bar. With added sugars that I could do without.
I created this peanut butter protein bake for around £0.50 per slice. There’s also no added sugars and 184 calories per slice.
Makes 6-8
Ingredients:
- 2 heaped tablespoons of peanut butter
- 100g oats
- 2tbsp honey
- 2tbps water
- 1 scoop protein powder
Method:
- Mix all of the ingredients together and flatten in a shallow baking tin. Leave to set in the fridge for ten minutes then cut in to six slices.
Top tip: Make your own peanut butter by blending a bag of nuts until they reach a paste consistency. If you’re not a fan of peanuts, create a butter using your favourite type of nuts. I’d recommend cashew butter!
Goal weight loss: 1 stone
Estimated time of weight loss: 6 months
Results and more recipe ideas and tips coming soon!
Top tip: Take a selfie at the start of your fitness challenge, weigh yourself and note down your body measurements. That way, if you don’t lose weight (often due to muscle gain), you can still see progress!
Little and Loud: A lifestyle blog 