What have I been eating lately?

I missed last weeks WIAW after being busy at work. So, this week I am back with a mixture of things eaten over the last couple of weeks :D

Thanks to Jenn for hosting :D

My eating hasn't been the greatest lately, and hopefully over the next few weeks I can eat cleaner and more natural and fresh foods! And I am doing terrible on the GREEN aspect of the month. Maybe next week since it's the last in March.

Here goes.

Blackberry Soya Yoghurt w/ Chopped Nuts and Milk Chocolate Chips.

Wholemeal Bread w/ 2 Boiled Eggs

Loving my PB again! PB on Wholemeal Toast w/ Tea

Pancakes!

Oat Pancakes w/ Chopped Nuts, Chocolate Chips + Banana + Crunchy PB

Weetabix w/ S.Skim + Chopped Nuts + Chocolate Chips

Bitesize Shredded Wheat w/ Chocolate Chips + Chopped Nuts

Jacket w/ Light Cheddar, Veg and Ketchup

Two Egg Cheese + Mushroom Omelette w/ 2 Quorn Sausages + Veg w/ Ketchup

With working last week my eating patterns considerably changed, and I got very snacky, but on chocolate and crackers etc not fruit. This is something I am trying to get back to this week and next, but last week completely broke up the pattern I had got myself into, which is really annoying. Can't wait to start eating my fruits, salads and veggies again because I am seriously lacking in energy right now. 

eg

And I have just noticed that most of my eats for the week look very bland. Obviously this isn't the entire picture and there were some unpictured chicken and salad rolls as well as fruit. But looking at it like this definitely puts things in perspective! Anyways onto a new week of photographing my eats, I am going to try and squeeze in those vits and mins through my diet :D

Happy Wednesday :D

Friend Makin Mondays #5

Thanks as always to Kenlie for hosting :D

1. How old would you feel if you didn’t know how old you are?

I guess I have always felt older for my years. I am the eldest out of my siblings and I guess I think I am there mom at times! Only in a loving, protective kind of a way :D But people often tell me that I am older than my years - so I guess that confirms it. But I wouldn't want it any other way :D

2. Are you the kind of friend you’d want to have as a friend?  

Errm...that's a toughy! Sometimes I guess :D When I was younger I always wanted an identical twin to hang out with. I guess I always strive to treat people how I'd want to be treated.

3. Look back at the last year.  When did you feel most excited about something in your life?  

Towards the start/middle of last year I was really going through something internally and struggling, until basically I hit rock bottom. But I would say bouncing back from everything in December was definitely a highlight. Plus it was my favourite happy time of year Christmas!

4. Have you ever been with someone and not spoken a word, only to walk away thinking that was the best conversation ever?  

Definitely, I do that with my best friend all the time. It's great finding those people that you can hang out with, hardly say two words and yet still have the best of times :D

5. If you won 100 million dollars Monday, would you continue doing whatever you usually do on Tuesdays?

Hmm... I always say if I suddenly came into money I would stay as similar to how I am now as I could.  I'd share the money with my mom and so maybe I would take her out instead of going to my classes :D

6. What would you do differently if you knew no one would judge you?

Wow. That's an interesting question. I guess I'd be more out there! Does everyone know what I mean by that? Like I'd wear bolder colours, prints and completely speak my mind. It's not that I don't do that now but more "extreme" so to speak, taking things to another level. But it's something I am always working on! To not let others comments or judgements bother me :D

7. Share something you do differently than most people.

That's a toughy if I asked this question to the people around me who know me well the'd probably say something in a heartbeat! I don't actually have an answer for this question. I will ask others and if something comes up I'll let you guys know on my blog :D

8. What’s one thing that you really want to do that you’ve never done?

My immediate thought was do a sky-dive so I guess there we have it :D

9.  If you had to move out of state right now, where would you move?

I'm in England, the U.K! But if I had to move out of the country I would move somewhere warmer - Spain, France etc :D

10. What is the one thing that you’d like to change most about the world?

This answer could be really long, so I am going to choose one thing! Violence, I guess in my imaginary, fiction world there would be no wars? But I am a realist and accept how the world works and it's been working this way ever since.

Great questions this week Kenlie :D I enjoyed answering as always. Enjoy your Monday!

Spending The Last Week Of Term Being Marvellous

It's amazing how your attitude can affect your week. In last weeks post I desperately wanted to have a good week. And I did. It's as simple as that. It was tiring and busy but I enjoyed it and I was happy, or should I say feeling marvellous!

Thanks to Katie for hosting as always!

I can't believe we are already on to a new week. March is seriously flying by, but in a great way :D It will hopefully be getting warmer soon too! Can't wait for some heat where I can wear less layers.

This week is the last week of Semester two. Second year is going so quick - it will soon be Summer! But I'm not complaining. The entire week is going to be spent planning and wrapping up things before I go home for two weeks for Easter. I'm excited but come the end of the week I  want to have an outline or a sketch of a plan, so I don't waste any time on my first week off. Which can sometimes happen if you're not careful! As in I've done this quite a few times in the past, but this time I am determined to not slack and use my time off wisely.

So today's quotes are as follows:

This week I need to get exercising after being at work all week and getting none done! Yes my bed is comfy but that's not going to make me feel good. I need endorphins :D That's where it's at!

I need to get cracking on this challenge I saw a while back! I can't wait to do it :D If there's one exercise I love it's squats.

This week I need this more than ever :D

I don't know about running this week! It will probably be more about the walking here at Uni, but once I am home I can hop on my treadmill :D

I've struggled this week - both nutrition wise and exercising wise. So it's nice to remember never to give up no matter how hard times seem :D I am nowhere near where I want to be so I must push through and keep going.

Correct :D

One step and pound at a time! That's what I need to remember. I keep doing that and I'll get there in the end :D

And there we have it the quotes I am remembering this week, so I have not only a marvellous Monday but a marvellous week :D Happy Monday everyone - Enjoy!

Weigh-In Update

So, I have been thinking what to write all day at work. That is in between the time I actually got to think today. Work was busy! But in a good way :D

Anyways, this morning I got on the scale I am a little more swollen than last week, and my eating and working out have taken a back-seat. Not entirely but it has definitely been affected this week. It's a new week right?

I did lose weight this week. Only half a pound. But then I say that and it sounds soo negative right? "Only" just shouldn't be in front of that. I guess a loss is better than a gain and before hand I told myself a loss or the same would do me fine. But then I saw the number and it left me conflicted, and it didn't sit well with me. I should be jumping for joy. A loss is a loss and it's all going towards something, something great, and I feel great. I am now 142 (10 st 2). But then I thought how am I going to feel seeing that 13 in front of the last digit, and you know what? Will it really make me feel that different? And I don't think it will. I mean it has in the past, but always in the end the number means nothing to me. In a way anyways, yes at the moment the number holds some importance. But I have realised when I feel great, that's what really counts. The flat stomach, the energy, that FEELING!

We all know that feeling, and at times I live for that :D

So I am going into this week with a clear head, it's a new entirely different week that we can never get back and I am going to make the most of it. That's MY decision. I want to feel great and I deserve to. So bring it on :D

I will be doing a post about my set-up for the week on Sunday. Have a great weekend! Just remember this for now.

Friend Makin Mondays #4

Thanks to Kenlie for hosting!

Yay food questions. I am writing this whilst eating a very tasty breakfast of ... Crunchy Peanut Butter on Wholemeal Toast w/ a mug of tea at my side. Absolute Bliss :D I have started eating PB again, after last month when I somehow managed to out PB myself. I know! Well I am definitely back on that saddle :D

1. What did you eat for dinner last night?

I ate Southern Fried Chicken Hot and Spicy Breast w/ a plate full of Salad, New Pots and a tad of Cheese (or a lot ;D). It was what I call "naughty" but delicious. But I am now out and have made the grown-up decision to not get any more. I think it will be a wise choice :D

2. If you could make one food calorie-free for the next year, What would you choose?

Whoa, that's a hard choice. Errm there are a lot of foods I'd like to make calorie free! Hmm... Chocolate, PB, ANYTHING sweet.

3.  How often do you go to the grocery store?

Errm, it really depends. I am on a Uni student budget. So, what works best for me is popping in throughout the week when I need things. With my schedule this doesn't always happen usually I do two big shops.

4. Do you make a list before buying groceries? 

I do try to look in the cupboard and write down on a list the essentials, but it normally just ends up being what catches my eye and what's on a good deal. But maybe I'll try again next Semester.

5. List three things that can always be found in your kitchen.

Wholemeal Flour, Milk, Bananas, A sweet spread of some kind and sauces (ketchup and mayo).

6. How often do you clean out your fridge?

Errm... well we did it when we first moved in in September and we did it this weekend! I know, we need to get better at this. We normally do one big clean every week but for some reason the fridge is always ignored and forgotten. But not anymore!

7. Do you ever use a slow cooker? If so, will you share a recipe?

I don't but I'd love to have a go :D

8. How often do you try new recipes?

I am the kind of person who sticks to what they know, but over the summer months when I have more time I tend to do a lot of experimenting then.

9. What is the most delicious meal(s) you make? 

It's got to be a three-way toss up between; My Curry, Chilli and Fajitas! So, so yummy. I need to start making meals from scratch again. But it's the end of semester so I am way too busy!

10. Share at least one thing that is currently in your kitchen even though you don’t like it.

Hmm... I never really buy anything I am unsure of or think I may not like. But I do have spring rolls in the freezer from months ago when I was going through a phase and it's the same for the weetabix sitting in my cupboard. 

Great questions this week! Enjoy your week everyone :D

I NEED To Be Marvellous In My Monday (and the rest of the week for that matter)

Thanks to Katie for hosting. Love it!

I've experienced so many emotions this weekend. I have literally gone through them all in a matter of 48 hours and I am exhausted to say the least. Hopefully I am able to get some decent nights sleep this week. This week I am working Tues to Fri, so I know the exhaustion is about to hit at some point. But let's just hope it hits at the right, more convenient time - meaning bedtime!

I guess it's good that I am aware of my emotions and that I do have them, because I'd hate to be a rock. Though that one would be quite a feat for me, because I am definitely one of those people who knows their emotions and also goes through them like there's no tomorrow. I'm up and down and spinning all around! That ones for sure. But my mood has began affecting the people surrounding/around me. And for me that definitely isn't on. I normally apologise in advance or afterwards, but still I wish I didn't have to.

This week I need to be more thoughtful of my actions towards others. What's going on with me internally doesn't mean I should become a drag on those around me. They don't deserve it and neither do I. So, for this week I am determined to be MARVELLOUS in my week and to share that with everyone around me to make up for this weekend. I am a firm believer in it's not too late to make amends! And that's what I plan on doing :D

The one I most hurt this weekend was my best friend and when I noticed I just broke down. She's like a sister to me and definitely didn't deserve to be treated like that. I always get in my own head and ruin things, and that's what I am going to work on over this next week.

So, here's some quotes that I will be using to get me through, and also some songs. I am also a great believer in if you're having a bad day put your favourite tunes on and sit back and drift. Money Music makes the world go round, right?

And Girl Tip ;D

Well, that's my 7 quotes for this week!

Now songs are difficult. Or should I say more difficult because I like a lot of different artists/bands/groups from various and nearly all types of genre. But what I have recently been listening to (the main songs) are as follows:

Just realised they are all women. Not intended! Promise. It's just what I've been feeling lately. Some are old, some are new, and they are all as great in my eyes. Many different sounds and I like to mix and match what I listen to. My I-pod shuffle is mental sometimes :D

*Disclaimer - I do not own the rights to any of the above videos.

Weigh-In Update

So, my massive (to me) weight loss wasn't exactly a shock this morning. I have really been suffering with my stomach lately (as previously mentioned), and I can't wait to go to the doctors again for my blood test results. I am hoping something shows up because at least it would give me an explanation of why I am in so much pain.

Anyways, this week I lost 3.25 lbs, which is a lot for me. Don't know how this will effect my weight loss next week. I am way more wary of losing weight quick this time because I want so badly to keep it off, but again that all depends on me and I have realised now that I have that power and control! I think my weight loss is by no means too much. Since September I have lost 15 lbs, with 11 pounds coming from this semester alone. But when you average it out it's less than 1.5lbs a week which is within the normal range, and I guess as I get closer to target (9st 7lbs) losing weight will become harder and slower. Or not, you never know! But I am definitely focusing more on how I feel this time, and I love feeling like this :D

My goal for March was to get under 10 stone (140lbs) and I am now more confident that that goal is attainable. But we will see there's still over 3 weeks of March left and I am home at the end of the month so I feel as though it would be good to make a plan of action.

Another issue I will probably face is weighing myself in another room, on another floor, but with the same scale. Does anyone else like weighing in on the same scale, in the same room, on the same floor, at the same day and time? Well, that will be taken away from me for two weeks. I want and need to be accountable to me by still weighing in but I also am a little nervous and wary about how much those factors will affect my weight.

I am trying to stay positive and move on into a new week :D Enjoy the weekend.

What have I been eating lately?

Lately, I have just been eating what I fancy and focusing on eating for energy and nutrition. At the moment I am experimenting what foods work for me and what don't. After my recent tummy issues it's important I experiment and see what foods are best for me.

I have a confession this week I was a terrible blogger! I hardly took any pictures of my food, but once you see the photos I did take you get the general idea :D

Thanks to Jenn for hosting this foodie blogger link up! Now I know we are going green for March I'll get cracking with all things green :D

Wholewheat Pasta w/ Arrabiata Sauce, Button Mushrooms, Quorn Sausages, Cheese, Lettuce and Light Mayo.

This was one of my go to meals last week. Pasta and a bunch of Random stuff thrown into a sauce, served with cheese and salad. It was good while it lasted but having a break from pasta this week so far :D

Bitesize Shredded Wheat, w/ Chopped Nuts + Semi-Skim Milk.

I have returned to my old fave cereals and one of them is Bitesize Shredded Wheat. And lately I've been using cereal toppers to jazz up my cereal. That reminds me I need to get some sultanas as well, as I love sultanas as a Cereal Topper.

PANCAKES w/ Chocolate Chips both Milk and White Choc + Banana + Nutella.

On Friday we did Pancake Sunday early (me and the best friend), after we had gone for a massive walk. I did my usual recipe but this week I decided to add in chocolate chips - soooo tasty! Definitely making these again some point this week. I added a side of banana and Nutella to mine as I find them the best accompaniment to Pancakes. I keep meaning to experimenting but I can see that being kept until the Easter Break I will be getting in a couple of weeks.

Wholewheat Pasta, w/ Mixed Veg and Arrabiata Sauce, Southern Fried Chicken and Lettuce + Light Mayo.

Bran Flakes w/ Chopped Nuts + Semi-Skim Milk.

Carrots, Krackawheat w/ Cottage Cheese + Green Grapes.

Lately, as I have previously mentioned I am rediscovering what likes me and trying new things. The photo above was dinner Monday after a Jillian Michaels Workout. I loved it, and it hit the spot. As it's getting warmer I am enjoying cottage cheese again!

Toast w/ Margarine + 2 Boiled Eggs.

Kellogg's Breakfast Biscuits w/ Nutella.

Lately as a sweet treat/snack I have been eating the Fruit & Fibre Kellogg's breakfast biscuits with a smothering of Nutella - naughty but nice :D

Toast w/ Margarine.

Banana.

I had actually gone of banana's for a few weeks, which was a nightmare as it's one of my fruit staples and I eat them whenever. They were irreplaceable! Glad to be back eating them. 

Are the any foods you eat as the weather becomes warmer? Mine are foods like cottage cheese and carrot sticks - Great combo!

Friend Makin Mondays #4

Can't believe this is my fourth Friend Makin Monday :D I just enjoy Kenlie's questions over at All The Weigh every week. Sometimes they are challenging and really make me contemplate my answers and sometimes they are just fun questions to answer and share with you guys.

1. What do you love most about Spring?

Definitely the better weather and temperatures  and although it's not my favourite season I look forward to the scenery/nature changing around me. Spring for me represents a time of growth, for everything, including me.

2. If you’re lucky enough to have a Spring Break, what will you do to enjoy it?

I live in England, but we still get Easter break so that will definitely be nice and be enjoyed with family and friends. I am heading home from my Uni Home on the 22nd when my mommy will drive down to get me. By then I won't have seen her for about 11 weeks, so I am really excited to be back home and spending some quality time hanging out with her and others.

3. What is your favourite flower? 

This is a difficult one. The first thing that comes to minds is Daisy's but I also like Daffodils like my nan (who happens to be turning 80 on Wednesday - So happy birthday nan), and also probably Sunflowers.

4. Do you have a garden?  If so, what do you grow? 

I have a garden both at Uni Home and Home Home, but there's not much growing in either. Over the years I have helped my mom or should I say "watched" my mom plant many flowers and plants and they never last unfortunately!

5. Share one thing that you hope to accomplish during Spring. 

Besides weight loss and improving my fitness, I hope to accomplish a lot of stuff on my life to do list including; planning for Paris, planning for Work Experience and Internships, as well as a lot of other stuff.

6. Do you do Spring cleaning? 

Not particularly. Although I do spring clean my possessions like Clothes and Shoes etc and decided what I am going to keep and what needs throwing away and also what I can give to charity, but I did do a big sought out over Christmas, so there will probably be not a lot to give away!

7. What is your weather *really* like right now? {Just b/c it’s almost Spring, doesn’t mean that it feels like it for some of you.} 

It's definitely had the appearance of being more sunnier this past week, but it is still quite chilly out and I still need to layer my clothes and wrap up warm unfortunately!

8. Share one photo that you've taken during the month of March. 

N/A - Sorry I haven't had chance to take any this month, other than of food for WIAW. But I am going to hopefully be getting a new camera soon and so all that will change.

9. What’s your favourite thing to do on a sunny afternoon?

Get outside for a walk and read a good book whilst sitting in my back garden enjoying an alcoholic beverage :D

10.  If you could spend the day doing anything in your city, what would you do?

Where I am at Uni, I live in a small town, so I would probably just get outside and enjoy all the fresh air and greenery.

Thanks to Kenlie for hosting again!

Feeling Marvelous In My Monday

Thanks to Katie as always for hosting :D

My weekend was hectic, busy and tiring, but I enjoyed every minute that went by. Other than the sniffles my cold or whatever it was has gone! Thank goodness. I still have a runny nose and a little pathetic cough, but it's nothing like it was this time last week.

A hazy sun is currently shining here today. To let us know spring is on it's way, which I am actual excited for this year. Usually I just want to skip right to Summer, but this year I am giving Spring a chance. Hopefully there's no rain, or not so much rain.

After the negative thought of last week and the downer I was on, you'll be glad to know I am back with the positivity and this is where I bring on my quotes for the week!

Love this quote. I am the first to admit that I strive for perfection, the unachievable but I always believe that if a job is worth doing and that's any job, then it's worth being done right and with all your effort.

I must admit over the last week, this has been my thought process. But I am re-bounding back and with a lot of walking already banked over the weekend, I hope to carry it on for the rest of the week.

Today, I am hoping to get a strength/weight training session in, followed by the 30 Day Shred Jillian Michaels's Dvd. 

*Speaking of following. Has anyone been watching "The Following", that new show with Kevin Bacon in? I was apprehensive but my mom told me to give it a go and now I am hooked!

For some reason this quote always makes me smile. READ it and REMEMBER it throughout the day and beyond.

I'm a firm believer in this quote and the quote that reads "We are all beautiful in our own way", and whatever way that is we each get to decide.

Love this quote. I am known to dwell on the past and the future but neglect the present, which is the only thing we can be sure of. I am going to remember this quote especially this week and look up once in a while to take it all in.

I also need to keep this in mind! Sure, I am not where I want to be YET. But I know if I keep doing what I am doing consistently  I will be in the near future and it's all worth it. I also need to remember that there's no destination, just journeys and that those journeys make life.

This is so true! Sometimes I get caught up in how I am perceived by others, when I can never know what they really think anyways one and two does it really matter what people think. I doing this to me, for me and not anyone else.

So there you have it folks! My seven quotes for the next seven days :D

Happy Monday and Enjoy your week. Remember to take each day as it comes and to savour the moment.