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The bars are packed with vitamins and carbohydrates and ingredients like rolled oats and organic dates to provide you with the fuel you require for your activities, whether that's a run along the beach, gym session or a woodland walk with the kids.

They can of course just be consumed as a tasty snack as a healthier alternative too!

CLIF Bar is available from Boots, Tesco, Holland & Barrett and all good independent health food
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Minimise Me - Weight Loss Weekly #4

I'm really 'in the zone' now and I'm actually so proud of what I've achieved already. I'm able to avoid temptation by thinking of how far I've come and picturing myself slim, like I used to be, which helps to keep me on track. I've thought about sticking some pictures of myself a few stone lighter in the fridge in case there are any days when I feel like a binge session though!

I've had the odd treat here and there as I'm not willing to deprive myself completely of my favourite things, but I'm including them within my calories or working harder to burn them off afterwards.

I didn't manage my 2 workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday as I'd mentioned last week but I did walk the dog several miles in the snow to compensate. That is one thing I need to improve; how active I am.

I was surprised to put on a pair of trousers to see that they were slightly baggy on my thighs on Thursday and this made me realise that it won't be ling until my body has changed enough for others to notice my efforts too (I hope). The Mr is great for motivation and he has complimented me no end which I really appreciate. It's lovely that we are doing this together and he has now lost 6lb!

Week 4 =

Minimise Me - Weight Loss Weekly #3

I was left feeling a little disappointed after last Monday's weigh in, where my weight reduced a tiny bit but not enough to register as a pound, so I decided to try a lot harder. 

Lesson learnt; Popping to the pub needs to be avoided at all costs!!

I've been eating so much healthier and my Coca-Cola cravings seem to have stopped. I can't hear the fridge calling me to raid it like Pac-Man anymore which really helps too. Some days I've even gone to bed a few hundred calories under my daily allowance which for me, is incredible and I'm so pleased with my progress. 

Again this week I've been drinking more water, eating more fruit and veg and trying to get more sleep. My goal for the week ahead is to get three hour long sessions of exercise in, which is easily doable. I'm scheduling these in for Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and I will take some pics of my Polar monitor to share the calories burnt and time completed.

Week 3 =

Minimise Me - Weight Loss Weekly #2

I kick-started the year with a 3 pound loss last Monday which I was pleased about and now I'm onto week 2 of Minimise Me. I have to admit that I've found this week a bit harder and I've been so tempted to eat lots of naughty treats that are lurking in the cupboards leftover since Christmas. The fact I cooked a batch of warm, gooey brownies for the Mini Mes didn't help either. I could almost hear them calling me from the fridge to be consumed!

Minimise Me - Weight Loss Weekly #1

One of my goals for this year, probably the biggest and most important, is to lose weight and eat healthier. I'm increasing my exercise too and I want to get fit. Running a bath is hard enough work these days never mind a marathon, and far too many cheeseburgers and chocolates fall into my face which I really need to change.

So, I'm calorie counting each day, using My Fitness Pal to log my progress and I will be weighing myself each Monday. I've begun and given up so many times before but as the Mr and I have already booked three holidays for the year (woohoo) and I want to feel confident in summer fashion I feel as though I'm in right mindset to do this. I began 5th January.

Don't Wait Until Monday - Diet Chef

You indulge far too much and then feel fat... so you comfort eat and then feel even worse!

It fast becomes a vicious circle and the pounds soon turn into stones, you get stressed about your appearance and it really starts to alter your life. 

Over the past 5 years I've put on 3 stone. 3 STONE. When you are in a new relationship and you're really happy you don't worry about things quite so much. You spend more time with your loved one and less time exercising, you enjoy takeaways or eating out to save time spent on cooking and you treat each other to wine and chocolates. After a while it hits you. You can't do up your clothes and you have put on weight. Lots of it!

I'm at the point where I'm almost 30 and I'm unhappy with my body. I want and need to change for

31 Ways with Ryvita

I tend to graze throughout the day, usually eating whatever is quickest, without thinking of the nutritional value. Not good! However, with the new year here and the arrival of  tasty crispbreads in the post I decided to give the 31 Ways with Ryvita challenge a go. 

It's a great way to have a healthy lunch with very little effort required. 

31 Ways With Ryvita

Week One

• 1st - New Year’s Day treat: Ryvita Mediterranean Herb Crispbread with Sardine Escabeche

• 2nd - Back to work reward: Ryvita Dark Rye Crispbread with Stilton cheese and sliced apple OR brie and cranberry jelly

•3rd - Fish Friday: Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon on Ryvita Dark Rye Crispbread

• 4th - Crunchy Saturday: Peanut Butter & Banana on Ryvita Original Crispbread

• 5th - Sunday treat day: Butternut Squash & Sage Soup with Ryvita Dark Rye Crispbread Croutons

Week Two

• 6th - Give soup some love: Tomato Soup with Ryvita Pumpkin Seeds and Oats Crispbread Croutons

• 7th - Healthy Tuesday: Ryvita Sunflower Seed & Oat Crispbread with Hummous & Slices of Red Pepper

• 8th - Mid week warmth: Pumpkin Soup with Ryvita Dark Rye Croutons

• 9th - Fresh and crisp: Mini Caesar Salads with Parmesan, Anchovies and Ryvita Sweet Onion Crispbread

• 10th - Friday feeling: Ryvita Fruit Crunch with Sliced Banana, Cool Yogurt, Basil, Passion fruit and Honey

• 11th - Weekend treat: New York Delhi with Ryvita Dark Rye Crispbread

• 12th - Fresh snacking: Ryvita Mediterranean Herb Crispbread with Parma Ham and Melon

Week Three

• 13th - Taste experience: Goats Cheese, Pear, Honey and Walnut on Ryvita Fruit Crunch

• 14th - French classic Tuesday: Tuna Nicoise on Ryvita Original Crispbread

• 15th - Indulge your taste buds: Prawn, Mango and Avocado with Ryvita Sesame Crispbread

• 16th - Delicious and Nutritious: Tuna Mayo with Cucumber on Ryvita Sunflower Seed & Oat Crispbread

• 17th - Friday twist: Ryvita Sunflower Seeds & Oats Crispbread with Waldorf Salad

• 18th - Sensual Saturday snacking: Ryvita Fruit Crunch with Greek Yogurt, Berries and Honey

• 19th - Sunday morning warmth: Ryvita Pumpkin Seeds & Oats Crispbread soldiers with a soft boiled egg OR topped with fresh berries and yogurt

Week Four

• 20th - Blue Monday: Ryvita Chocolate Bombs

• 21st - Fruity snacking: Ryvita Fruit Crunch with Mashed Banana and Sliced Strawberry

• 22nd - Mid Week Hump: Tuna Pate with Ryvita Cracked Black Pepper Crispbread

• 23rd - Treat Thursday: Ryvita Fruit Crunch Crispbread with Chocolate Spread and Strawberries

• 24th - Indulgent Friday feeling: Ryvita Fruit Crunch topped with Goat’s Cheese, Pear, Honey & Walnuts

• 25th - Weekend lunchtime: Ryvita Sweet Onion Crispbread topped with Mango Chutney and Coronation Chicken

• 26th - Back to basics: Egg Mayo with Cress on Ryvita Dark Rye Crispbread

Week Five

• 27th - Victory Monday: Ryvita Dark Rye Crispbread with Salt Beef, Watercress and Dill Pickle

• 28th - Mini pizza time: Grilled Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil on Ryvita Multigrain Crispbread

• 29th - Mid week treat: Ryvita Hint of Chilli Crispbread with Spiced Potted Crayfish Tails and Watercress

• 30th - Scrumptious Thursday: Ryvita Cracked Black Pepper Crispbread with Parma Ham and Chutney

• 31st - End of the month with a bang: Chargrilled Chicken, Guacamole and Peppers on Ryvita Hint of Chilli

----------

Initially I did assume Ryvita would taste a bit like cardboard but I soon discovered the many flavours available and how versatile they are. My favourite toppings are definitely cream cheese with salmon and berries with yogurt!

They can be used for savoury or sweet toppings and 31 suggestions have really helped to inspire me and motivate me into thinking more about what I eat.

What do you have on Ryvita?

*We received several packs of Ryvita and a Tesco voucher for the purpose of this post. The thoughts given are honest and our own*

Project 365 - A photo A Day #1

I always begin this and end up failing miserably. I'm desperate to complete a full year though and I'm determined to make 2014 the one!

The idea, if you don't already know, is to take a photo a day EVERY DAY.

I'll be sharing my collection every Saturday from the previous week.

Here are my first few photos since January 1st...

• I'm on a mission to lose weight and I'm counting down to Kefalonia so the Zumba Rush made an appearance on New Year's Day. Bring on the beach body!
• Not the best of pics as it was taken in a darkened hallway, but Spartan was sat by the door waiting for the Mr to come home after work so I snapped a quick pic before he moved. I thought it was really sweet.
• We went to the cinema to see Frozen and came across this LEGO Movie board... as soon as Jamster saw Batman on there he was keen to pop his face in the cut out!
• A rather boring day spent at home working, so eating was probably the highlight! I've been enjoying Ryvita since the new year began and these are my favourite flavour so far; Mediterranean Herb.

What photos have you taken this week?

Meal Planning and Motivation

The past few weeks have been hard. Problems with my eye, another upper respiratory infection and sinusitis have meant I've not been exercising or watching my weight so much- eek. However, now that I'm feeling better and November has arrived I've decided to sort myself out with daily Zumba sessions and calorie counting.
I'm still going to make the most of the slow cooker with some hearty winter foods but I shall be controlling my portion sizes and thinking about a pretty dress I want to fit into for the fast approaching party season!

This weeks menu

Slow cooked lamb stew and dumplings
Slow cooked chicken korma and rice
BBQ Pulled pork with potato wedges and salad
Spaghetti bolognese with garlic bread

Friday we are eating out with friends at our local Indian restaurant and Saturday my mum is cooking for the entire family.

My weight loss motivation for the week is...

Will your slow cooker be making an appearance this week? 
What motivates you?

Have a great week!

Meal Planning and Motivational Monday

Autumn is here, the heavy rain and wind are a sign of that, and the slow cooker will soon be making a regular appearance in my kitchen again. But for now we are still just selecting meals between the four of us that we fancy for the week ahead...

This weeks menu

Jacket potatoes with chilli chicken

Sweet and sour chicken with noodles
Meatball bolognese
Ham, chicken and leek pie with herb roasted potatoes and vegetables
Pizza with cheesy garlic bread

Wednesday the Mr and I are child free and planning on seeing Riddick at the cinema so we will select something or eat out on the day depending upon the screenings. We tend to go weekly as the Orange buy one get one free ticket deal is too good to miss (plus the fact there is Ben and Jerry's)!

The weight loss has now reached 17lb. I still have a long way to reach my target but I'm staying positive and the fact I won't be drinking until Christmas now, through choice, should help.
I've decided to participate with Sober October and helping to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support in the process.

My weight loss motivation for the week is...

Will your slow cooker be making an appearance again soon? What motivates you?

Have a great week!

Motivation and Meal Planning Monday

The Mini Mes return to school this week so I've stocked up on lunch box goodies and popped some of their favourites onto the menu...

This weeks menu

Lasagne and garlic ciabatta
Roast chicken with stuffing, roast potatoes and vegetables
Pepperoni and cheese stuffed pasta with tomato sauce and salad
Salmon en croute with new potatoes and vegetables
Slow cooked chilli con carne with rice


With the kids going back to school it also means I can step up the exercise and hopefully lose some more weight. 15lb down and a few more to go!

My weight loss motivation for the week is...

What is on your menu? What motivates you?

Have a great week!

Meal Planning and Motivational Monday

The last full week of the summer holiday begins, how did that happen ?!

At the same time as looking forward to some return of routine when the Mini Mes go back to school next Thursday I will miss them. Perhaps not the arguing and sulking but I'll miss everything else. 

I'll try to think of some wonderful lunch box ideas to make dining in the hall a little more exciting for them in the meantime!

We have just purchased a new car, a beautiful Insignia, so although we are far from penny pinching we are just keeping a closer eye on funds this week and have therefore gone for a low cost plan....

This weeks menu

Battered fish, new potatoes and vegetables

Slow cooked lamb stew and dumplings

Jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings

Cheese and ham kievs, mash potatoes and vegetables

Tomato, sausage and pepperoni pasta bake with salad

My weight loss motivation for the week is...

Have a great week!

Motivational and Meal Planning Monday

I've finally lost a stone! 14 whole pounds. I'm feeling quite proud of myself although the journey still continues. I feel a lot fitter already and my confidence has increased which is what I had hoped for.

Zumba and walking more regularly have really helped... and thinking about a bikini body that I long for!

My motivation for the week...

This weeks menu...

Quorn fajitas (with sweet chilli wraps)

Lasagne, salad and garlic ciabatta
Glazed Hoisin Duck with new potatoes and vegetables
Shepherds pie
Buffet night (hot nibbles including pizza, chicken, and chips) followed by fondue

I'm still eating the above despite trying to lose weight. I calorie count to 1300 a day and weigh/measure portions if necessary. 

What is your motivation this week?
What's on your menu?


Have a great week!

Motivational and Meal Planning Monday

After a bit of a naughty week away, in terms of eating, I'm back on the weight loss wagon and kick starting today with a smoothie and Zumba! I actually feel quite sluggish and bloated from going off the rails for just 6 days so I'm looking forward to eating a little better and exercising again.

My motivation for the week...

This weeks menu...

Sweet and sour chicken with noodles
Roast chicken with stuffing and vegetables
Jacket potatoes with various toppings and salad
Toad in the hole with mash and carrots
Fish, new potatoes and vegetables

What is your motivation this week?
What's on your menu?


Have a great week!

Motivational and Meal Planning Monday

I'm not sure where the year has gone so far and as the last day of the school year approaches I'm really looking forward to 6 weeks with the Mini Mes with plenty of days out, baking, crafts and family fun.

I'm also hoping to spend a lot of time outdoors walking, running and playing to burn off some calories so that I continue to lose weight and reach my goal for September.

I lost 1lb this week.
Making -7lb in 3 weeks which I'm really pleased with!

 

My motivation for the week...

 

This weeks menu...

Carbonara and garlic flat bread
Vegetarian fajitas
Chicken and gammon pie with potatoes and veg
Lasagne and salad
Buffet dinner for our #HaveACraftParty party

 

What motivates you to exercise?
What's on your menu?

Have a great week!
 

Reasons To Smile

 

 

4lb down this week!! That is definitely worth smiling about as it's a big boost to my self confidence and also a great excuse to start buying new, smaller clothes very soon. Retail therapy here I come.

Minxy has her school show today and although it's a late night (it finishes at 9.45pm!) and is a bit of a trek to get to the theatre where it's being held, I am so very pleased and proud that she is involved with it. She is dancing and has been showing me her moves at home over the past few weeks.
This time last year she would NEVER perform infront of an audience so it would appear her confidence is building too.

Jamster has a school trip tomorrow and what's even better is that it is all FREE! His house scored the most amount of credits this year so they have been provided with a zoo trip as a reward. The weather is gorgeous for it too so hopefully lots of animals will be out for him to see. I'm going to give him a disposable camera to take and I'm intrigued by what will be worthy, in his eyes, of a photo.... I look forward to printing the pictures of food, monkey poo and his girlfriends *giggle*.

The weekend ahead is childfree and we are probably heading to somewhere near the beach with the poochie camping for a relaxing break. BBQ, booze and possibly bikinis here we come.

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Meal Planning Monday

Another beautiful weekend of sunshine! We enjoyed pulled pork, a hog roast and lots of salad at a local festival and sat in the garden. With more sun due I've opted for lighter meals this week - with the heat we all tend to lack an appetite!

 

This weeks menu

Pizza with salad
Chicken, new potatoes and salad
Jacket potatoes with tuna and salad
Spaghetti bolognese with garlic flat breads
Cheese and bacon kievs with chips and salad

...Did I mention salad?

I managed to lose 2lb this week which I'm really pleased with, especially as my week included my first ever Nando's and a sneaky Buddies dinner. I've done very well with exercise and was even working out last night on the cross trainer when it was about 25 degrees!

No pain, no gain....

 

 

What's on your menu this week?

I'm linking this over with At Home With Mrs M.

Reasons to Smile

Another 1lb down this week and I'm starting to see that my body is actually changing shape! Not only has the Mr complimented me (although I do wonder if he may be after something) but my dad has commented too which was lovely and very unexpected. I'm finding weight loss and exercise is enjoyable and I feel so much fitter for doing Zumba and walking more. It's becoming a way of life and I'm not struggling to find motivation to do it... or making excuses not to!

It's the summer holiday and we have already spent the first day jumping about on bouncy castles, having a go at the bungee run, getting some new books for the summer reading challenge and doing a nature hunt around the local park. I'm looking forward to what the 6 weeks will bring - hopefully lots more family fun.

I'm really proud of Minxy and how well she did in her school show last week. Her dancing was very impressive, even as her mum, and she shone on stage with confidence which she often lacks in public.
Her and Jamster have done so well at school - she received a certificate and badge at her end of year assembly for being in the top 5% of achievers in her year and he had his SAT results back and they were great.

Fingers crossed they do as well when they go back in September.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Meal Planning Monday

Today the Mini Mes head back to school for the final term of the academic year and the countdown to the summer holiday begins - woohoo!!

 

Along with our summer bucket list the preparations have begun for what will hopefully be the best summer holiday ever. I'm booking tickets, arranging days out and stocking up the arts and crafts for a fun packed family time. I've also set myself a goal of 1 stone to lose by 23rd July, end of term, so I'll be enjoying a lot more salad and healthier options in the meantime.

This weeks menu...

Sweet and sour Quorn with noodles

Beef cannelloni with garlic ciabatta and salad

Lamb moussaka

Jacket potatoes with tuna/beans

Brinner

We have a child-free weekend ahead and the Mr has a school reunion Saturday night so I'll probably cook some pasta for then and have roast gammon Sunday with lots of veg - or a BBQ if the weather remains beautiful.

 

 

What's on your menu this week?

I'm linking this over with At Home With Mrs M.

Reasons To Be Happy

Our Feather Down Farm trip is fast approaching and I'm really looking forward to it. A nice family break in the great outdoors, collecting our own eggs each morning from the chickens and cooking on a wood burning stove - good times!


The Mini Mes have sports day next week which is always something they are excited to be involved in. The event lasts the entire day so I shall pack up a picnic and enjoy a day watching them run, skip and jump in the sunshine (hopefully).

You know that feeling where you are focused and really determined to complete something. That. I am doing really well with weight loss and exercising at the moment and I feel proud of myself for sticking to it. I was always strong at first and then slipped back into old habits but I'm keeping on track. Watching The Biggest Loser has spurred me on and I'm keeping in mind that it took a while to put weight on so it will take a while to shift it.

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?