Diet. This is a word many people fear, some people loath and others, well others just don't use it. But 'diet' doesn't have to mean 'not eating' or 'losing weight'. Eating the way we do now is called a 'diet' but yet we tend to only associate it with losing weight.

Since being at University for two years now it occurred to me that I don't eat as well as I should. And don't get me wrong I'm not the unhealthiest person in the world, but I still would like to eat better. In first year I remember making salads a lot, but this year not so much. I think because this last year has been far more stressful, all I've wanted to do after six hours of hard studying is put a movie on and order a Domino's.

Changing one's diet is a very hard thing to do. Making drastic changes is ridiculous and you're more likely to give it up. However making small and simple changes are a good way to start. A couple of years ago I lost a lot of weight (well a lot to me) and although I looked good, I didn't feel good because dieting can also make you feel bad about yourself if you get too obsessed with it, it's how eating disorders can start. And so luckily when I started uni I forgot about the obsessions of dieting and just had a balanced diet and enjoyed life which worked much better for me. Nevertheless, I'm back here talking to you all today, so obviously I'm about to ramble on some more about dieting.
I weigh the most I've ever weighed at the moment. Which is weird for me to say. If you know me you might think 'Why is she dieting?'. And I know what you mean, but I'm not dieting so much to lose weight but to become a healthier version of myself. I found a really nice quote yesterday and it was-

The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday.

And that stands true for me. I like my body and have nothing to worry about weight wise, I am a healthy weight however I really want to be able to improve myself, my fitness, my nutrition. And so here we are. Like I say, making big changes is very hard, and now on day 5 of my diet I am still struggling to even achieve my little goals. But here they are, my simple start up diet goals.

1.) Drink 8 glasses of water a day. - I don't drink enough and I know sometimes we mistake hunger for thirst (can you believe it!) and so by drinking more I can improve several aspects of my diet.

2.) Do two lots of 20 sit ups (40 in total) - I'm trying to do 20 in the morning and then 20 at night. This will improve my strength and work on my core.

3.) Do two lots of 20 push ups (40 in total) - The same as the sit ups. This will improve my strength and core also.

4.) Eat at least 1 portion of vegetables/ salads a day! - I love vegetables and so I really have no excuses.

5.) Eat at least 2 portions of fruit a day. - This can be easy. I have fruit involved in my breakfast and then have fruit for my afternoon snack! Simples!

There you have it. That doesn't seem too hard does it? Of course I will be walking my dog lots over summer and will gradually add in more and more challenges but to start with I want to be able to easily achieve all these little goals.


The app I'm using to help with this is My Diet Coach - check it out!

If you're like me, then you'll probably go on another one of your 'get fit/healthy' obsessions again this summer- it happens every summer! To be fair to us, summer is the best time to get fit for obvious reasons. However getting fit and healthy can be hard especially as we enjoy indulging on meals out and sweets and what not to treat ourselves for the hard work we've done. So I've only gone and come up with 5 easy ways to get healthy whilst enjoying the summer haven't I? Here we go:


1.) Forget the gym. Go on walks and jogs. It's an obvious one I know but summer is the perfect opportunity to go for walks. They can be short walks, long walks, slow walks, whatever takes your fancy. And if you have a dog, why not take them out for a nice walk- they will thank you for that! Or perhaps you like reading in the garden? Instead why not walk to your local park and read there, then walk back. Putting in extra exercise where you can can really make the difference.

2.) Going on a shopping spree or an afternoon out in town? It's easy to fall into the trap of buying junk food to feed your perishing hunger. But, if your town has a market, why not buy some fresh strawberries instead. They aren't too expensive and you get a lot for your money- better than at a supermarket. Strawberries are lush, like healthy sweets. So grab a punnet of them (or whatever fruit you like) and snack on them throughout your trip. You'll feel fresher and healthier and proud for avoiding the junk food.


3.) Swap your breakfast around. Instead of having stodgy toast or fried breakfasts, try having fruit, or yogurt. It may seem boring but if you're really determined to be healthier then it'll make a difference and will make your morning feel fresher. Plus it doesn't have to be boring, be creative!

4.) Take a look at a usual days' food for you. Take one sugary/unhealthy item, just one, and swap it for something healthy. You'll be surprised at how swapping one item can make a difference.

5.) Drink! Another obvious one I know, but sometimes we mistake our hunger for thirst would you believe. So carry a bottle of water around with you. Also water is great for the skin and on a hot day will be your saviour. If you find water boring then have tea or squash. However water does the same as other drinks in that it rids you of your thirst yet water has no calories, so instead of putting unnecessary calories inside yourself, just drink plain and simple water!


I hope my little tips have been somewhat helpful. How about you get in contact or start and conversation about what you all do to stay fit and healthy?

Speak soon

Being healthy is something I've always enjoyed. I love buying healthy ingredients and making new foods/meals. I just have one issue- I love food. And I mean the bad stuff. I know I'm not the only one, but I am a sucker for a takeaway. Guilty. In fact as I type this I have a large Domino's pizza sat next to me. Oh how it taunts me,

'Psst. Pssst Laura, are you going to just stare at me? Eat me bitch!'

Yeah that's what it'd say if it could talk. But it can't. It's pizza.

But anyway, I love salads and vegetables and I really do enjoy getting exercise. I do a fair bit of walking and I jog/ do exercise videos from time to time, but I'm never going to be one of those fitness freaks. It's all very good being completely in control of every pound and eating anything green. But sometimes, and I'm going to say it, sometimes it is okay to eat unhealthily. The way I see it is we only get this chance at life *insert some idiot shouting YOLO*. And of course I'm not suggesting we all go out and eat McDonald's until we puke, but all in moderation. I'd much prefer to have a few extra pounds because I've thoroughly enjoyed a burger, than be so self conscious about my body that I fear anything that has more than 30 calories and not enjoy my life.



Live a little. Fast food is not our enemies, it's just not our best friend. I think bad food is just an acquaintance whom we must say hello to every now and again, but not always and that's okay!

Now I don't want people to think I'm supporting eating badly, like I said, all in moderation and with balance. I just feel like life is too short to worry too much about our weight. Everyone is beautiful.

And I love burgers so...

It's that time of the year again when everyone seems to be or get ill- I know I am. I can't seem to shake whatever it is that I have. It can make you feel really glum, so for those of you who are stuck for ideas on how to feel better, here are a few of my tips:

1.) Get plenty of sleep, but don't over sleep. This one is a general rule in life to be honest. Not enough sleep and too much sleep can make you tired. Tiredness can lead to so many things and may be one of the reasons you're ill, or could be contributing to your immune system not working as well. So go to bed, get snuggly!

2.) Drink plenty- especially things with vitamins in. So this could be orange juice or vitamin water, whatever takes your fancy. Keeping hydrated is important in keeping your body healthy, so make sure you keep a bottle next to you at all times when ill- who cares if you keep needing to pee!

3.) Be happy. Now this may seem like I'm asking a lot. However when we're ill we feel really sad and moody, but if we try and do nice things and enjoy ourselves whilst ill, we'll start to feel better in ourselves. For example being happier could include finding a good boxset to watch whilst you're sat in bed drinking a lemsip, or it could be a nice walk down to the beach or park!

4.) Pamper yourself. Have a bubble bath and put a face pack on. Maybe use some gradual bronzing lotion to make you feel glowy and healthy on the outside, even if you're not feeling great on the inside. Pampering could even include treating yourself to a take away- these will also make you happier (see above).

5.) Wrap up warm. If you're ill, being cold is only going to make things worse (usually). So when you go out, put a coat and scarf on and don't go out with wet hate- death trap!

6.) Use the time you're cooped up inside to be productive- perhaps read a book or finish off some work you've been meaning to do.

7.) Have a hot lemon drink. My auntie introduced me to these, and they are lush. Use half a lemon, or a whole lemon , squeeze out the juice into a mug. Then pour hot water in, and add sugar and/or honey. It makes you feel so much better. Lemon is good for phlegm as it helps cut through it- meaning a clearer throat!

8.) Don't stress. Stressing makes you ill. So NO!

9.) Look up videos of cute puppies or kittens, because, well they make everyone feel better don't they? So look at how cute they are with their little ears and their little toes! Awh!

10.) Be comfy. Don't worry about dressing in your finest clothes. Take advantage of your illness and wear baggy comfy clothes- so much better!!


So I hope these have helped, even though I'm pretty much telling you what you already know, but hey ho!

X

So I've taken it upon myself to do the 30 Day Abs Challenge. I spent months last summer being healthy and getting fit, and I lost a bit of weight, and then I went and put it all back on again at University! I don't purposely eat badly, but sometimes its cheaper and being a student means you take what you can get sometimes. I also did do exercise- I walked daily and went jogging every now and again, not to mention having to walk up 5 flights of stairs every time the lift broke. But I saw this 30 Day Abs Challenge online and decided to give it ago. I'll try to fill you in as to how I'm getting on as I progress. I also wanted to start being healthier and cut back on snacks.


So last night I did my first day of the 30 Day Abs Challenge. It was pretty easy but I know it'll get a lot harder. I didn't feel too much of a burn after the first day, but the exercises were simple, simply because you have to warm up and get use to it first! I never realised how unfit I was until I started exercising!

Day 2 was a little harder, but not too much of a burn. I suppose the good thing about this challenge is how gradual it is!

Let me know how you all get on!! I'll try and show photos when I start to notice a difference!


http://30dayfitnesschallenges.com/30-day-abs-challenge/

Today is beautiful, and recently we've had a few days like this. The sun has been shining and the wind has kept to a minimum, and to England's surprise there has hardly been any rain! This is the kind of weather we like to see. Not only does the sun get more people out and about in the fresh air, but it makes us feel happier on the inside as well because the sun gives out vitamin D which is a key factor in human happiness. Now that Spring has arrived there will be little baby duckings on the lakes and the sweet sound of baby birds chirping in the trees and little cotton soft lambs will be seen wobbling in the fields as they learn to take their first steps. Spring is a beautiful season.

          It is a perfect chance to prepare yourself for the Summer season as well. With enough sunshine giving us our vitamins, we will begin to feel happier in ourselves as the gloomy months appear to now be over. It's a great chance to make ourselves feel good about life and walk around with a smile. For many, University is almost over and for Schools, the last term is around the corner. Sometimes Spring gets cast aside as most people's favourite season is Summer. However why not extend your love of the outdoors, and make Spring your new favourite. The temperature is lovely and isn't too hot or too cold so you won't be rummaging through your closets for bikinis just yet, but you also don't have to throw on the hoodies. It's a brilliant opportunity for photography. And of course nowadays you don't need a professional camera to take photos. Simply use your phone and snap away at earth's beauty. Why not go jogging with friends or take your dog to the park for a game of catch? Visit new places and have long day trips to different cities.
     
         
  As said before Spring is a great time to prepare yourself for upcoming months. Perhaps something simple like the discovery of a new moisturiser might get you excited by making your skin glow and feel fantastic. The shops are full of new summery clothing ranges that will give you plenty of joy looking through with your best girl friends or even a lovely shopping trip with your mother (its always good to have a natter).
If you're in a relationship, a nice weekend away might recapture the magic and introduce new things to the relationship. If you're single nice evenings out or in pub gardens will make you love your freedom and enjoy what's in front of you.

          Whatever your situation, Spring is guaranteed to make you feel wonderful and renewed. Don't forget about it and wait for Summer. Get outside and enjoy the weather and do new things. Don't sit around inside for weeks. It'll do you good on the inside and on the outside. Smile and be happy!