Replacement Snack

Now that Spring is almost upon us, it's nearly time to ditch those winter-warming foods and start making salads and fresh fruits a more regular occurrence. Why don’t you give this smoothie a go as a mid-morning snack or as a healthy alternative to those afternoon tea and biscuits we instinctively head for?!...

I am no expert, and I tend to make up the recipes as I go along, but I found this one simple to do and really tasty so thought I would share it. Also, the ingredients aren’t fancy; they were fruits lying around the kitchen that needed to be eaten up, so you might find you already have them too!

Ingredients:

Handful of blueberries

Handful of grapes (halved)

1 banana (sliced)

A few apricots (quartered)

Almond milk (a splash)

Cinnamon (a sprinkling)

Equipment:

Blender - 'Kenwood Smoothie 2 Go' is the one used here

Instructions:

1.       Chop up the fruit

2.       Put it all in a blender

3.       Pour over the almond milk (enough to cover fruit)

4.       Sprinkle the cinnamon

5.       Put the lid on (v. important step!)

6.       Whisk

7.       Pour

8.       Eat/Drink

Fruits do have a lot of natural sugars, so these types of smoothies shouldn’t be a snack that is over-indulged or used as a whole meal replacement, but instead see it as a ‘healthy treat’. A treat that is full of more goodness, freshness and energy-boosting ingredients than a chocolate bar or packet of crisps will give you. Smoothies tend to keep you fuller for longer as well, unlike unnaturally-sugared treats that leave you craving more and then leave you with an energy-slump an hour later. Nasty buggers. So stick to the healthy stuff as much as you can and you will soon see your taste buds change and your footsteps will head for the fruit bowl instead of that little shelf in that corner cupboard that stores all of those ‘just in case’ naughty goodies!...

Enjoy!

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The No-Fad Fitness

A healthy body starts with the right mind-set. Health and fitness should be something you want to commit to as a lifestyle choice, not a quick-fix diet or mad rush to the gym for that 'summer body'. Instead I've chosen to make things more simple, free and easy to fit in with everyday life. For some, that may involve going to the gym, a class or a swim; that's great, I have no objections to that as I have paid my fair share of gym memberships in the past, and occasionally if I fancy a different type of workout, to change things up a bit, then I will pay as I go to attend a class perhaps. But all I really need to workout on a regular basis is pictured below; kettle bells, a mat, water and kit. Done. Well, the hard bit comes once the exercise actually takes place, but getting yourself started is made much simpler by no monthly fees, no need to put aside hours of your day, no excessive amounts of equipment, no worrying about what you look like (...the list is endless)... it’s just you,  your motivation and some loud music in the comfort of your own home. 

I understand the idea that paying for a membership can be your motivation to exercise as you don’t wish to see your money wasted. I was once this person. But now, health and fitness is a lifestyle choice. So not only would I spend thousands on a gym membership if I intended to have one for the rest of my life, but I also thrive more on the fact that I am my own motivation, not the direct debit from my account, but me and my goals. That's part of the challenge.

The workouts I do usually last between 25-45 minutes depending on whether I’m going for a heavy or light session, and 90% of what I do involves these weights. I won’t go into full details of the kettle-bells, as that can be a whole post in itself, but they are so versatile and effective (a thank-you to my brother for purchasing these for me and introducing me to them!). In addition to at-home kettle-bell workouts, I do go for the occasional run if it’s a nice day or I’m in need of a real de-stress. Running, or brisk walking, in the fresh air clears the mind and works wonders at putting you in a better place if you're feeling a little stressed, tired or down. 

For me, my workout regime is not only cost-effective but 'fitness-effective', as I can really push myself each time without feeling self-conscious. Win-win. I never do exactly the same workout, so there will be plenty of posts coming up about the different routines I use, which can be tailored depending on your level of fitness by opting for different sized weights. So invest in some of these and get going on the path to a better version of yourself.

If you’re an exercise newbie then I hope I can inspire you, and if you’re a fitness fanatic I’d love to know what you do to keep fit and healthy as I’m always open to new routines and tips.

Don’t let yourself be saddened by the Monday blues; get outside or get squatting(!)... start as you mean to go on, release those endorphins and have a great start to your week!

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