My Top Tips for helping you achieve those resolutions/goals/plans for 2016

* PLAN – A goal without a plan is just a dream
* DONT forget “WHY” you are doing it
* Plan for Set Backs
* Write Goals down
* Take Ownership of you Goals/Plans
* Be accountable to someone
* BELIEVE in yourself
* Rid yourself of “Energy Vampires”
* Frame of mind
* Set “mini” Goals
* Set “realistic” Goals
* BE SPECIFIC
* STOP making excuses
* Be passionate
* Keep a diary
* Asses your environment

And finally…..GET OFF YOUR ASS AND TAKE ACTION!!!

Stress!
In some way our lives are all full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands….whether it be from work or home life. For a lot of people Stress starts to become a way of life. Its not always a bad thing-in small doses, it can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best. But when you’re constantly running in “stress” mode, your health and wellbeing will start to pay the price.

The Body’s Stress Response
When you perceive a threat, your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones rouse the body for emergency action.
Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed your reaction time, and enhance your focus – preparing you to either fight or flee from the danger at hand…..but when you are in constant stages of “chronic stress” your health becomes at risk and this often leads to weight gain.
Stress and elevated Cortisol tend to cause “fat” deposition in the mid section of the body…often referred to as “toxic” fat, as fat around the abdominal area can often be associated with cardiovascular disease.
Many people often admit that when they are “stressed: they find it hard to maintain any health eating habits….whether it be emotional eating or grabbing some sweets/cakes/chocolate/alcohol because you feel there is “no time”
Stress out lifestyle = an unhealthy lifestyle

Chronic Stress can contribute to weight gain in the following ways:
Having too much of the Hormone “Cortisol” floating around in your body can cause your Metabolism to slow down.
When you are stressed….often it can lead to you reaching for the big bar of chocolate or ice cream…oh yes I am talking about “cravings”….When you are in a state on Chronic Stress your body craves fatty, sugary foods …..the types of foods that are going to cause weight gain…this in turn can play havoc with your Blood Sugar..causing fatigue, mood swings and even worse diabetes. This can also bring on “Emotional Eating” < then your body will always associate “stress” with certain foods….in no way helping the weight
Increased Stress = Increased fat around the belly area.
Lack of exercise….you may feel so stressed and so overwhelmed that the last thing you want to do is exercise.
You can increase your resistance to stress by strengthening your overall health.
Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for exercise, at least three times per week. Nothing beats exercise for releasing pent-up stress and tension….plus it becomes “you” time!
Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day. Avoid “Processed” foods and sugar like the devil and get variety in your diet.
Avoid caffeine and sugar. The temporary “highs” caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By removing the coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Don’t avoid or mask the issue at hand; deal with problems head on and with a clear mind.
Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

Cortisol is an important hormone in the body, secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the following functions and more:
Proper glucose metabolism
Regulation of blood pressure
Insulin release for blood sugar maintanence
Immune function
Inflammatory response

Cortisol has been named “the stress hormone” because it’s also secreted in higher levels during the body’s ‘fight or flight’response to stress, and is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body. Small increases of cortisol have some positive effects:
A quick burst of energy for survival reasons
Heightened memory functions
A burst of increased immunity
Lower sensitivity to pain
Helps maintain homeostasis in the body
Higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream have been shown to have negative effects, such as:
Impaired cognitive performance
Suppressed thyroid function
Blood sugar imbalances such as hyperglycemia
Decreased bone density
Decrease in muscle tissue
Higher blood pressure
Lowered immunity and inflammatory responses in the body, slowed wound healing, and other health consequences
Increased abdominal fat, which is associated with a greater amount of health problems than fat deposited in other areas of the body. Some of the health problems associated with increased stomach fat are heart attacks, strokes, the development of metabolic syndrome, higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which can lead to other health problems!
Cortisol should be at its highest of a morning and lowest of an evening time….but when in states of stress…it can remain high all the time and this can also effect SLEEP!!!

Beat the Winter Blue
Top 10 Tips to get you through Winter

1. Keep active

Research has shown that a daily walk, in the middle of the day, could be as helpful as light treatment for coping with the winter blues. Plus u’ll be getting fit at the same time…bonus!! Whether it means joining a gym, a class or going for a walk (make sure you wrap up warm)

If you’re exercising after dark, keep to well-lit areas and wear bright and reflective clothing. Ideally, exercise with a friend, but always tell someone where you’re going.
Avoid listening to music while running outdoors. Not hearing what’s going on around you can make you vulnerable.

If rain or ice is making exercise dangerous, do it another day. The weather might be better tomorrow, but an injury could take weeks to heal.
2. Get outside
Go outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible, especially at midday and on bright days. Inside your home, choose pale colours that reflect light from outside, and sit near windows whenever you can.

3. Keep warm

Being cold makes you more depressed. It’s also been shown that staying warm can reduce the winter blues by half. Keep warm with hot drinks and hot food. Wear warm clothes and shoes and aim to keep your home between 18oC and 21oC (or 64oF and 70oF degrees). For further information on what you can do, including applying for grants to keep your home warm, visit www.nhs.uk

Severe symptoms

If your symptoms are so bad that you can’t live a normal life, see your GP for medical help.

4. Eat healthily

A healthy diet will boost your mood, give you more energy and stop you putting on weight over winter. Balance your craving for carbohydrates, such as pasta and potatoes, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. “Some people tell us that taking extra vitamin D helps,” Good food sources of vitamin
D include oily fish and eggs. Take in plenty of dark leafy green veggies and immune boosting foods. A perfect time of your to make those homemade soups 5. Lighten up
Light therapy can be effective in up to 85% of diagnosed cases. One way to get light therapy at home in winter is to sit in front of a light box for up to two hours a day.

6. Take up a new hobby

Keeping your mind active with a new interest seems to ward off symptoms of SAD, “It could be anything, such as playing bridge, singing, knitting, joining a gym, keeping a journal or writing a blog. The important thing is that you have something to look forward to and concentrate on,” she adds.

7. See your friends and family

It’s been shown that socialising is good for your mental health and helps ward off the winter blues. Make an effort to keep in touch with people you care about and accept any invitations you get to social events, even if you only go for a little while. It will really help to lift your spirits.

8. Vitamins

Take Vitamin C, Echinacea, Zinc to help with Cold and Flu Symptoms, it is also worthwhile taking these all year round too…so your body is topped up.

9. Sleep

During the Winter you may find you want to/do sleep more….but don’t worry its your body’s way of catching up on any Sleep Debt it may have (although saying that don’t be late for work!) Get to bed before 10:30pm….an you can lose weight too 😉

10. Look after YOURself and YOUR Loved ones

Stock up on wholesome foods, vitamins and make sure you look after all your family. Check up on elderly relatives and neighbours who may not be able to get round in the Winter months.

5 Tips to Stay Healthy in Autumn
One thing we can always be guaranteed of in life is change. Nature reminds us of this in the ever-changing rhythm of the seasons.
Here in the UK, our weather has certainly changed. The temperatures have become cooler and the days are shorter. The morning air is brisk, and it’s time to start thinking about winter coats and woolly hats.
Those long, summer days of bright berries, crisp salads and succulent fresh fruit are almost behind us. While you might be disappointed to see the last of the summer salads, there are a plethora of yummy foods for you to choose from in Autumn

1. Always buy food in season.
With the arrival of the new season, now is the time to change your diet! Embrace the yummy foods that Autumn offers. Enjoy fresh pumpkins, parsnips, yams, winter squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, apples, pears, figs, elderberries and even cranberries!
Some of my favourite fresh seasonal dishes are creamy pumpkin soup, roasted root vegetables, cranberry chutney, baked sweet potatoes, caramelized pears and crisp apple pies.

2. Eat your autumn colours!
Autumn is the season of warm, earthy colours; think deep greens, dark yellows and brilliant oranges.
When you eat foods that are rich in these colours, you are absorbing the vibrational energy of the earth. Fall foods are vibrant, colourful and nourishing. One rule of thumb is that the more colourful the fruit, the better it is for your health and your immune system.

3. Boost your immune system.
With the changing season, now is the perfect time to boost your immune system.
Whenever I feel the need for a boost to my immune system, I first look to Mother Nature. Some of my favourite natural immune-boosters are: to drink plenty of fresh water, eat plenty of alive (living) raw foods, garlic, lysine, probiotics, Vitamins B, C and D, zinc, propolis and Manuka honey.
Another powerful way to boost your immune system and keep strong is to use the power of gentle exercise.

4. Embrace gentle movements.
In summertime, it’s so lovely to spend time outside. For many, this sunny weather allows them to move their body naturally, using gentle movements such as walking on the beach.
But, don’t let cooler temperatures stop you from moving your body! Far too many people stop exercising and spend more time doing sedentary activities indoors.
One way you can keep moving during the cooler season is to bring your activity inside: bounce on a rebounder, do yoga at home, get a yoga swing, swim, go to the gym or find a dancing class!
This Autumn, get yourself organized so that you are well prepared for the coming winter months.
Find an enjoyable way to gently move your body, so that this year you keep yourself fit and healthy.

5. Live aligned with the season.
As the season shifts, give yourself permission to make different choices and changes in your lifestyle.
The shorter days and longer nights are the perfect excuse to take the time to really look after yourself. Use this Autumn as an ideal time to hibernate, giving yourself time for you.
Spend time relaxing at home, wrapped up with a hot water bottle, wearing your favourite pajamas and enjoying early nights. Watch movies, drink chai tea, or start writing that book you’ve always dreamt about writing.

Autumn is a nice time to slow down and enjoy some internal reflection. Allow this season to be a chance to nurture yourself by eating fresh seasonal foods and living in alignment with nature. I hope that these tips help you to stay strong and healthy!

Tips for Autumn Fitness
Autumn is a transitional time of year. The leaves on the trees change, it becomes darker earlier, and the temperatures cool down. It is a favourite time of year for many people. However, these same changes can also lead to stress for individuals who tend to fall off the health and fitness wagon during the transition.

Take Advantage of Autumn Activities
Autumn group events like pumpkin picking, haunted trails, and building leaf piles are active options that can also be fun bonding experiences for family and friends. Organize a weekend trip or local get-together with an autumn theme and plan to be active.

Get Involved in Community Events
With the Autumn season come many holiday-themed local fun runs and events. Look in the newspaper for Events near you. According to a 1991 summary report by ERIC Digest, training for a specific goal such as a race increases adherence to an exercise program. Signing up with friends or family will hold you accountable for completing the training.

Head to the Trails
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year for getting outside. Grab a friend and find some local parks or trails to walk, run or bike and take in the view of changing leaves. Delamere is lovely this time of year…just pack your wellies

Dress for the Weather
When weather gets cooler, it can deter people from going outside to work out. This problem can be mediated by wearing wind-shielding clothing and dressing in layers. Proper attire and accessories (hats, gloves, etc.) that cut down on bulk but still allow for warmth make outdoor fitness more enjoyable as the chill of Autumn and Winter approaches

Drink Water
Stay hydrated even when the temperatures cool down. People often feel less thirsty when it is not hot outside, but staying hydrated is just as important in the Autumn as it is when the sun is blazing. When Autumn rolls around, remember to stay on top of your fluid intake to help with both exercise recovery and appetite control.

Drink Tea
Drink more tea to warm up for the cooler temperatures. Green tea and black tea contain antioxidants that help ward off diseases during flu season so you can remain healthy and active as the season shifts.

Avoid Holiday Sweets
According to the National Institutes of Health, on average, non-obese adults gain about a pound a year around the holidays. In addition to creating unhealthy habits, accumulation of this weight over time can lead to obesity. Be sure to pack lots of healthy snacks to munch on throughout the day to help deter you from grazing on sweets that pop up in the office, at home or at parties.

Exercise Early in the Day
Try to work out in the morning or during the day. With the time changing and the sun setting earlier, it can feel as though it’s later in the day than it really is. This can make people more tired than usual. Getting into a routine of working out early will guarantee the workout gets done and still allow time in the afternoons and evenings to relax.

Vary Activities
As the weather cools down and summer ends, it can become difficult to stay motivated. Trying a variety of different activities and varying workouts will help keep a fresh spin on exercise and allow for confidence to build within a wide range of activities.

OK so you may have seen recently I have been posting picture about my prepared food…annoying as it may be there is a reason I am doing this…it’s to hopefully inspire you all to prepare your meals ahead of time…to ensure you stay on track with your goals.

I see so many people saying “I haven’t got time to make my meals” but the same people will probably sit for over an hour watching TV….I don’t mean to sound harsh but it’s all about priorities.

I know it’s an old cliche saying but “failing to prepare is preparing to fail” – therefore if u don’t plan ur meals/workouts etc.,..you are more likely to miss them or end up eating some crappy processed stuff from the shop…. YES and I am even talking about this “healthy living” butties and micro meals you see….healthy? Really?

If you jump out of bed late or just cant be bothered making your meals for work…you will end up eating rubbish from the shop, going to a fast food type food place or picking on biccies in the office (as let’s be honest it’s always someone’s birthday and always sweet and stuff floating about) and if you have no food prepared you are more likely to be tempted to pick on these things to keep you going and keep your energy levels up.

Preparing food doesn’t have to be a boring, time consuming task! Quite often I make a big evening meal and use half of it for my lunch the next day or make a big batch of something in bulk and freeze in pots….easy to take out and cook. It doesn’t have to be stressful and thinking “OMG I can’t do this, I haven’t got time” …..you can throw food in the oven whilst u watch TV,bath kids, get yourself ready for next day (of course make sure u put a timer on it so u don’t burn ur food) – if you buy the right food, right ingredients and stuff to prepare meals then it is so much easier….having bad food or no food to prepare in the house is obviously going to make it so much harder.

Sometimes I am tired after long days, esp lately…but I always make time to prepare my meals the night before (or morning if I have time) – it doesn’t take long and I know in the long run it will be so much better for me.

What’s stopping you being prepared? Is it sheer laziness? Lack of motivation?

You have to ask yourself how much you want to be healthy/lose weight/stay on track….and your desire to succeed needs to be higher than ur excuses…..EXCUSE OR RESULT?

I know it sounds harsh and like I am having a go…but it’s the truth and you know it 😉 – it’s so easy to get home from work, throw ur tea in and then slob on the couch for the rest of the evening…an that’s ok,but try and think ahead….plan at the beginning of the week any meals you think you need to prepare/buy for and set yourself some time aside to do this…..yeh ok it’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but the benefits far outweigh the downside of it.

You don’t have to prepare big elaborate meals…but make sure they are nutritious, full of protein and green veggies and a variety…for example I will quite often make:
chicken, sweet pot and spinach
Tuna, rice and salad
Any meats, quinoa and spinach/kale
Any fish rice/sweet pot and raw broccoli

In society now we all have busy lifestyles and gone are the days of 9-5 working, people now work shifts, have families and work unsocial able hours….but next time you are sat on the couch for 2hrs- think about preparing some food for the next day/day ahead….especially if your goal is health/weight loss.

If your goal is weight loss/health etc then prep is KEY to achieving ur goals….temptation is everywhere and not being prepared not only leaves you stuck and open to getting some rubbish from the shop but also can stress you out big time… As u start worrying about not being prepared, then you beat yourself up and end up picking on crap to make ur self feel better but in turn it does the exact opposite and before u know it this vicious circle continues. When you are trying to stay on track…you need to be prepared, even if it means making a list of meals you can make and can be prepared in advance and doing this at the beginning of every week….yeh it takes time but surely it’s worth it?

Remember we all have the same 24hrs in the day, it’s just how we utilise and prioritise our time that counts.

Remind ur self how much You want to achieve your goals….

Take time to prepare

I promise you once you start you will see how easy it is

Now go prepare some food I’ve kept u long enough

Jen x

Sunshine, Fresh Air and Vitamin D

With the lovely weather we are currently experiencing, it felt kind of apt to write this Article…so I hope it inspires you to get out into the Fresh Air 🙂

Now I must firstly say if you are considering going out into the “Sun” please make sure you keep hydrated and that you are fully protected at all times….whether you are just walking in it or exercising….we dont want no lobsters strutting around

So with all this talk of Sun, Fresh Air….may I present “Vitamin D” maybe not a Vitamin you are very familiar with, and this is because for so long Vitamin D has only really been used to prevent rickets……BUT NO Offence Vitamin C but Vit D may now be the bee’s knee;s as you body relies on it….so move over C and make way for D!!

Vit D also always used to be the “robin” the Calciums “batman” but this is all a change – Vit D actually encourages the absorbtion & metabolism of Calcium and Phosphate levels in Blood!

Vitamin D is a major player in overall Health and may be just what the doctor ordered. Vitamin D is the “Sunshine Vitamin”……but as we all are in thw UK…we dont really see a lot of sunshine throughout the year (which actually explains why so many people suffer from SAD in the Winter) To Avoid getting SAD in the Winter make sure that when the sun is shining that you try and get out there and top up your Vit D stores….you never know when you may need them.

Anyways…here I am waffling on about how amazing Vit D is…..well incase you think its all BS…take a look at the list below:
Boosts you Immune System
Can be obtained from Sun, Food and Supplements (foods: Cod Liver Oil, Eggs, Fruit and Veg)
Helps maintain a Healthy Weight
Regulates Blood Pressure
Helps lower MS and Diabetes levels
Helps prevent the onset of Osteoperosis and Arthritis
Helps reduce Stress, Anxiety and Depression (how happy do people seem when the sun is shining??)
Anti Inflammatory agent
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels (which will in turn help with Diabetes and Weight)
Increases overall Health and Wellbeing in people

Lots of us are deficient in Vit D – without even realising it, maybe from the foods we DONT eat or just for the simple fact we dont get enough sun/daylight as we should…lets be honest if you are stuck in an office all day with artificial lighting and air con…its not really the ideal way to get VIt D stored topped up. Now I am not saying give up your job and go and work outside…but what I will say is GET OUT whether its on your break, lunch or even getting off the bus a stop earlier….ENJOY this sun and increased hours of daylight whilst you can….because we will all soon complain when its gettin darker and colder. Even if you just get out for 10-15 mins…surely thats better than nothing?

FRESH AIR.

When its cold and dark in Winter the last thing we all want to do is go outside, so we stay all snuggled up in the warm….but gone are the days of that….I know we are having a lucky spell at the moment with the weather, but surely this should make you want to make the most of it all?? As I said before, whether it means just walking somewhere, standing outside on your lunch or even exercising outside…the benefits to Fresh Air are endless:
Increase Overall Health (as above)
Lowers Stress and Depression
Lowers Blood Pressure
Helps you Sleep zzzzzzzz
The “Happy” Chemical “Seretonin” is higher in the brain during this time of year…when the days are longer…..so lots of happy smiling people……surely this is a good thing
By exercising outside – this will provide the body with more Oxygen, that will assist with metabolism and helps muscles convert the sugar to energy and makes the body more efficient _ BONUS!!!!

So what are you waiting for?? Log off Facebook and GET OUTSIDE…because if this isnt going to last for long….you better make the most of it!!!

Get some VIt D onto your skin, absorb into your body and top up the stores

Breath in the Fresh Air and full your lungs

You’ll be amazed at how FAB you will feel just by doing this….Oh and did I say its FREE!!
The sun has got his hat on….hip, hip, hip HORAAAYYYY!!!

Smile…Enjoy…..Live!!!

DON’T get Sidetracked by people who are NOT on track.

Its a common thing and whether its jealousy or lack of education or simply just people not thinking….it can be difficult not to get sidetracked.

Your journey is going to be different from anyone else’s…remember that!

Your goals are your goals…and whilst they may be different from someone else’s..it doesn’t meant they are wrong. If someone doesn’t understand your journey then thats their problem NOT yours…and frankly you don’t need people like that in your life.

Friends and Family….and also work colleagues need to support you on your journey and if they are trying to sabotage it then are they right to be in your life? sounds extreme I know…but I think you know what I mean.

People who truly love you will support you no matter what.

We all have different beliefs and we all follow different fitness/nutrition programs (because we are all individuals) and what works for us may not work for someone else.

If someone is trying to sabotage your journey then ask WHY – maybe they are jealous…but really they should be inspired by you and what you are achieving .

Yes treating yourself every so often is OK….but don’t be tempted by people who say “oh go on just 1 more wont hurt” KNOW YOUR LIMITS and what you can and cant do.

Its YOUR Journey and you need to be strong enough to NOT let anyone sidetrack you.

Stay focussed!

At the end of the day you need to ask yourself how much do YOU want this? Look at how far you’ve come now….don’t go off on the bad path and end up back where you started…..keep on the right path, moving forwards towards a happier and healthier YOU

Jen x

When you first start out training, or are training for something specific or simply just in the zone….then even the thought of “resting: can freak you out and you start thinking all kinds and telling yourself that it will be the end of the world if this happens and that you will lose any gains/strength/stamina…..when in fact by over training and being “too obsessed” you could actually be doing all of that and more.

Its OK to be dedicated and motivated…..believe me, we need more of that in the world….but there needs to be a point where we need to let our bodies recover.

Without adequate recovery, your musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and immune system become compromised and this then puts you at a greater risk for injury, weaknesses in training and illness. Your body’s hormonal response to the deterioration of these systems is often a state of sympathetic arousal—your “fight or flight” response—which floods your body with high levels of catabolic hormones like cortisol. None of these things are good for anyone!!!

Rest days are an essential part of training, time off allows your body and mind to fully recover and grow…..don’t believe me….then think about how you feel after a bad night sleep/rest: Your cognitive skills are fuzzy and your body starts to fall into a catabolic (breaking down) state, which can skyrocket stress, drain any muscle strength, and cause mood shifts…..well lo and behold this is exactly what NOT resting does to your body!!

If you Never take a day off, then you are just setting the body up for a breakdown. You become more susceptible to muscle soreness, a suppressed immune system, improper sleep, a decrease in strength and performance, and injury….not to mention mood swings, irritability and weird eating patterns.

Use your rest days to reflect on how far you’ve already come and acknowledge and be grateful for your body, willpower and dedication……see it as a positive thing and don’t beat yourself up for resting, as it wont get you anywhere.

If you are bored stiff indoors then go for a casual walk or yoga class/light swim…something that isn’t taxing on your body…but doesn’t make u go stare crazy either. Don’t be competitive and wonder what you can achieve just be!!! BUT REMEMBER there is nothing wrong with lying on the couch watching a film….its ok to rest up (just don’t accompany this with a take away and munchies….and then your sound)

I know that sometimes mustering up the motivation to work out is a challenge, and then other times, like when we’re really determined to reach a goal or we feel like we need to make up for lost time, the opposite is true.

Sometimes we take on that frantic “must work out every day” mindset and completely forget that one of the most important parts of exercising effectively is giving our bodies time to recover….because if they don’t recover they cant change…so your training becomes pointless.

Plan your weekly workouts….but also plan your rest days and if you are worried you will just sit and think about working out..then make plans…plans that don’t involve the gym or training…go shopping. meet friends, read a book…anything..stimulate your mind and rest the body.

Trust me…..YOUR BODY NEEDS REST DAYS!!!!

Courgette, Lime and Coconut Cake
Gluten and Dairy Free

225g Gluten Free Flour
½ tsp Bicarb of Soda
1 tsp Gluten Free Baking Powder
250g Courgettes
125g Dairy Free Soya Spread
125g Caster Sugar
2 Large Eggs
100g Desiccated Coconut
Finely grated zest of 2 limes
8-9tsp of Lime Juice (icing)
200g Icing Sugar

Preheat oven to 18c/160c Fan/Gas 4. Grease and line a 22-23cm round shallow tin.
Sieve together the flour, bicarb and baking powder
Grate the courgettes into a dish lined with 4 layers of kitchen roll, cover with 4 more layers and press to squeeze out excess liquid
Beat Soya spread and sugar together until creamy
Add courgettes, eggs, coconut and flour mixture to the above craft mixture…along wide ¾ of the lime zest and then beat until evenly mixed.
Put cake into cake tin and level top. Bake for 45-55mins, or until the skewer comes out clean
Cool on a wire rack
Mix the icing sugar with the lime juice to make the icing.
Pour Icing mixture over the sponge cake, then sprinkle the remaining Lime Zest and some coconut on top

Bikini Fit – Be YOU

Ok so the sun is shining and it gets you thinking about Summer Holidays and maybe having to reveal a little bit more skin……but the question is are you comfortable in your own skin??

OK so I can pretty much guarantee 90% of the replies to that above question will be NO and really its sad to see…because at the end of the day your amazing just the way you are.

Being Bikini Fit should mean something different to everyone, it should mean feeling comfortable within your own skin to be able to get out on that beach, wear that dress and flaunt (in a good way) what you got. It should mean you feel good and healthy from the inside out and that no matter what other people think/say – as long as you feel good who cares?? Being Healthy and Happy far outweighs being sick and unhappy just to fit into a certain size bikini or dress…surely YES??

Unfortunately in modern society “Bikini Fit/Ready” means something completely different, whether we blame magazines, social media, celeb instagrams…whatever..the list goes on….it doesn’t mean whats right for YOU….it seems to mean whats right for society and whats right for peers and what fits/conforms with what the media say is right….OK since when should we let other people dictate our lives?? Sounds harsh but thats exactly whats happening…..

OK Let me break it down…you see in a Mag/Instagram/Social Media (whatever) an article or a picture stating this is how you should be/look or “omg look at this millionaire celeb an her body” and subconsciously without u even knowing, those words and them images are put into your mind and suddenly this becomes what YOU want/need to be and becomes YOUR goal….now don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with using this as inspiration….but 9 times out of 10 it goes become inspiration, it moves away from the point and becomes an obsession (and not a healthy one) – an obsession with thinking this is how YOU need to look or be.

At the end of the day NEVER try and be anyone else….if you wanna change try and be a better version of YOU and not a copy of someone else.

Bikini Fit/Ready to you should be something personal to you and what you want to do…dont think you need to get into that size 8 bikini because some celeb on the front of a mag is….dont go to crazy lengths/stress yourself out..because this is a vicious circle and if you don’t achieve society ides of “Bikini Fit” then you will beat yourself up/get sad and then it starts again.

Do what you need to do to be comfortable, happy and healthy from the inside out….because after all thats where health and happiness start!! YOU cant be happy and healthy on the outside if the inside is falling apart (and by inside I include ur mind also)

Wanna get “bikini fit” then start from within:
Write YOUR Goals down
Seek professional help from someone who understands what YOU want (if u need too)
STOP comparing yourself to others
Find whats right for YOU
Stop letting others judge YOU (after all as Eleanor Roosevelt said “no-one can make you feel inferior without your consent”
Just because society says something doesn’t mean you have to conform
BE HEALTHY

Be Positive and above all LOVE YOURSELF

WE ALL have had body hang ups at one point in our lives, I don’t care how perfect you are (or how perfect you think you are)….we’ve all been there, whether it be wobbly bits or excess skin or lumps and bumps….every single person at one point in their lives will have some (even if its small and lasts 30 seconds) body hang ups…..and as much as thats a sad thing for me to right, we are only human after all. Its our different shapes, sizes and body make ups that make us who we are (now I am NOT getting into overweight blah blahh…its not the point of this article, its more about how we see ourselves).
Its so easy to be negative about our body’s, always striving for perfection and wondering why you cant look like xxx or why certain clothes just don’t do it for you.
We need to get away from this…because believe it not (and you better) YOU are amazing, beautiful and unique just the way you are (inside and out – well unless you are a vile human being, but then again you wouldn’t be reading this if you were so cancel that 1)
Embrace every single inch of yourself, LOVE what you’ve got and what you are…because there is no-one quiet like you in the world and for that you should be happy!! Be more positive about your body..love it and work with it and oh by the way F**K what anyone else says….who are they to have an opinion??? NO NO NO!!!!
Look after your body, after all its the only place you have to live in. 
The more positive you are about your body image – the more positive and uplifted you will feel and the more you will begin to love yourself from the inside out!!

WOW ok…I think I covered everything!!

Remember find what works for YOU in every part of your life, don’t let others bring your down or bring negativity into your life.

Stay positive and learn to LOVE YOURSELF….because unless you do, you can never expect anyone else to.

No go grab your fav Bikini and feel confident!!! (please put sun cream on and stay hydrated haha – heres Mummy Jen coming out)

Jen x