Wednesday 3 September 2014

Queue The Camera Roll | August

These snaps also show some of my favourites from the month. Excuse the quality of the photos.

1.) Book of the Month ~ Quiet by Susan Cain 



2.) Homemade Smoothies ~ esp. Strawberry & Banana



3.) Oats with lots of different toppings




4.) Red Lips, Favourite Jacket, Curly Hair



5.) Peanut Butter, Banana on Toast



6.) Enjoying Nights-Out with Friends




7.) And finally Baths to help the colder nights we are having



And that's all my random snaps/favourites for the month of August.

What are your favourites for the month of August?


Thursday 28 August 2014

PCOS | Diet | Dairy

When you find a tasty gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free, sugar free, recipe...

PCOS affects my day to day life more than I like to let on to the people that surround me everyday. But lately I have been noticing a change in my energy levels. Since finishing university and moving back in with my mom there have been more treats around me than there was before. There are cookies, chocolates, cakes and sweets all the time. My brother and sister are twelve and fifteen and like to eat the usual treats and rubbish that kids there age do. However, I am twenty-one and no longer a child and that means my needs for sugar aren't and shouldn't be matched with theirs. But the time of the month got to me when I first arrived back that first month and I ate a few too many sugary treats. Since then though I have been a bit of a sugar and snack addict up until a month ago when I managed to straighten myself out and get me back on a healthier road.

Growing up there wasn't a doctor to sit me down and properly  explain what PCOS was. That also included what you should eat and how people with the syndrome struggle with insulin resistance. I had to instead research on my own and find out about everything about it, and I still feel like I'm learning today. In fact I take my symptoms more serious now, than I ever have before. I'm learning more about my body and how certain and different foods make me react. That's both IBS and PCOS related. At the moment I'm figuring out what works for me and what doesn't. So far it is working and I am paying attention to how my body reacts to certain foods. There's still a long way to go and more I want to figure out, but so far so good.

Here is one of the main things I have recently learnt about PCOS:


~ Dairy - before my recent research I didn't know how bad Cow's milk and products are for your body. I knew that soy products were bad but I didn't realise that the milk contains IGF-1 or Insulin Growth Factor 1. IGF-1 is a naturally occurring hormone with a similar molecule structure as that of insulin, mimicking the role insulin plays. However, women with PCOS already have higher than normal levels of IGF-1, meaning that their ovaries are sensitive to heightened or added amounts of this hormone. This leads to their ovaries going into overdrive and doing more work than they in fact need to. I have now switched up my use of cow's milk and gone back to almond milk. It isn't a favourite but I am going to keep using it because I know how the switch has helped others internally, including helping the reproduction system and aiding natural unassisted periods.

I hate dealing with this but glad there is something that can be done about it

For more information I have found this website called pcosdietsupport.com. Tarryn suffers from PCOS herself and has also made podcasts which I have found useful that you can find on Itunes by searching pcos diet support.

Do you have PCOS? If so, have you learnt anything that you would like to share?


xChloex

Monday 25 August 2014

Quiet | Susan Cain



'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking' is in fact a book by author Susan Cain and my new bible. Of course, I am using the word bible in an open sense, meaning a book I feel to be powerful. I have been reading this book over the course of the past few months and although it has taken me this long to complete it, it doesn't take away from how much I have thoroughly enjoyed the read. As well as, how much I have taken from the book information-wise.

Quiet is a non-fiction book about introversion and in turn extroversion. Before I even picked up this book I knew I was an introvert, and in fact I have always had an incline that I have introverted tendencies. But personally for me this book (and my saving grace) has only confirmed it definitively. I know referring to it as my saving grace sounds a little strong and some may say 'Slow down Chloe, it's just a book'. However, for me books have always been and meant something much more than words on paper. They symbolise numerous things, including the determination to complete/finish something that a book helps us achieve.

I am definitely the type of person that can pick up a book at 11am and still be reading it by 6pm later on that evening, especially if I am really into a book. I have even been known to complete a book in a days sitting when I've put my mind to it. As an English Literature student this isn't shocking and was one of the many demands of my chosen course, which nowadays I actually miss. Who'd have thought it?

Basically, if you've ever felt like the shy person in the group? Or even if you've questioned your own personality type, then this is the book for you. However, I would honestly recommend this book to everyone and anyone I meet (and have been). You know when you find a book so good that you want everyone you know and come into contact with to read? Well, it's one of those. It's both informative and enlightening and like the recommendations on the back praise:

"Remarkable" - Daily Mail,

"Will make quiet people see themselves in a whole new light" - Naomi Wolf

and "An extroadinary book that will change for ever the way society views introverts" - Gretchen Rubin, Author of The Happiness Project


Pick it up and give it a read :) It will definitely change your view of certain people.

Oh and check out the TED talk Susan Cain did here.

The Guardian's Review here.

Saturday 23 August 2014

16/08-22/08

This week has definitely had its highs and its lows in terms of weight loss. The lows happen when I feel like I am getting nowhere and the highs happen when I go to the gym and are able to do things I couldn't do even a few weeks ago. At the moment the bottom line is that I am nowhere near where I want to be. And honestly on my lowest days that fact still gets me down. I've been there, before, but not for long. But what keeps me going and pushing forth is that I am going to be there again, hopefully before or at graduation on the 27th of November.

There are big changes I am just failing to make. I am becoming conflicted and confused in my attempt to clean up my diet. There are too many things that I am trying to do at once. I am trying to eat Low Fodmap and Low GI all at the same time for health reasons. I am eating a Low Fodmap diet in order to help my IBS and so far so good. All my symptoms have calmed down and I am definitely happier as far as that part of my digestive system is concerned. The same is really to be said of the Low GI dietary changes I have been making, cutting down on high glycemic foods has been a huge change - mainly in my mood. So there are definitely improvements being made, just not at the fast pace I crave.

But I think that is mainly down to self and not giving it my all. There are nights out and I'm not one to turn down a beer, but I think that's where I need to stop. Only drinking for occasions or special events is definitely the way to go as my university days drift behind me. (It's getting less and less acceptable to drink on a Thursday haha.) But by abstaining from  alcohol, I know there will be rewards to be reaped on the scales.

Basically, I know what I need to be doing it's just putting mind over matter and getting the job done.

Friday 15 August 2014

09/08-15/08

This week equals a success and I feel completely proud of myself to be saying that sentence.

As I relax now with a well earned beer (or two), I find myself looking back on the week. The lows, the highs, the successes, the failures, it really did all happen. But I battled with myself when it came to food and I made sure that I got a good workout session in (whatever I decided it would be). And two out of three ain't bad, as Meatloaf would say or for me six out of seven ain't bad! The only day I "took off" was Thursday, or yesterday I should say, as I just felt downright terrible after minimal sleep. At one point, I honestly thought I'd pass out from exhaustion. But I powered through, took two Pro-Plus (which I hate to do) and pulled it out of the bag. Now I never recommend taking caffeine in pill form, but yesterday it was necessary and quickly did the trick. I'd say within half an hour I was powering through job applications and continuing on with my Thursday.

Eating healthy and cleaner, and simply working out, doing whatever I chose is what has made my week a success. In my own eyes anyhow. The workouts where beginner and nothing too strenuous was achieved, as in I wasn't flipping tyres or throwing sandbags, which is what I always think about when I think of "proper people" who work out. I ran, I lifted weights, I toyed around with kettle-bells (easily my new favourite piece of gym equipment). Nothing was ever boring, though at times it was hard and I think that's where balance comes into the equation. You need to enjoy what you're doing, but it needs to feel challenging enough to see improvements and changes. These improvements and changes are what make you want to continue and to power through. They are evidence of your hard work and proof of the strength you put into each session. So hopefully 4 to 6 weeks time and I'll see some kind of improvements.

I'm not weighing myself at the moment,a deliberate decision that I have made. It will do no good and so I am going to leave it alone...for now anyways. My goal weight I feel is always 9 and a half stone, with a 25/26 inch waist. Those are the figures I always have in my mind, because I know when I get down to that weight all the opportunities I'll have. Opportunities like wearing shorts and not minding, just the little things like that that make life that little bit easier.

And that's where I leave it for today. Hopefully next week will be just as successful.

xoChloexo

Monday 28 July 2014

Going Low-...

The Low I am referring to is Low Fodmaps. I am one of the many people who suffer with IBS. Although I haven't been clinically "diagnosed" by an expert, my doctor has confirmed that all the symptoms I get are on par with that of IBS. Someone recently asked me what I would do in my current situation, right here in the present, if I had three wishes. The reason for the present is because I am always changing. Like everybody else in this world, my focuses switch and I want for different things all the time. But at the current moment my wishes are as follows:

  1. Get my dream job.
  2. Have nothing physically wrong with my body.
  3. And have better relationships.
I actually changed for myself to be a better person because one day that one person changed my life forever & I realized how short life was so why be this horrible person & live through so much bs . When you can be happy & bs free !!!! Do it for yourself people !! Do it for the new you ; ) only be that bitch at  certain times when it's necessary  !!!!

Obviously, these goals can all be achieved with time, but it would also be great if they could do a 360. in a second.

However, Life prefers time and so I am currently attempting to tackle all three head-on. I first began researching IBS early last year when my symptoms started getting worse, and that's when I discovered the low fodmap approach to IBS. I researched into it and was blind-sighted by how many foods, healthy foods, contributed to flared up symptoms. As someone who enjoys their fruits, veggies and salads it was hard to justify trying to go without these items or just avoiding certain food items.

FODMAP diet. for a happy belly :) more here: http://ibs.about.com/od/ibsfood/a/The-FODMAP-Diet.htm
Source

It is recommended that at the beginning of your low fodmap journey you do the elimination phase. When I first read about this I was baffled by the concept. As a general rule I try not to follow strict or depriving diets or food plans. Past issues with food showed me that I should just follow my own diet. By that I mean eating healthy whilst also enjoying my favourite, less-healthy foods. However, by following the elimination phase would mean cutting out a large chunk of my diet and getting rid of foods that are known to upset people that have IBS. By following this 4 to 6 week period and keeping a daily diary improvements should be seen. And that is almost guaranteed. I mean it isn't rocket science, eliminating the cause of your stomach upsets is going to lead to a healthier stomach, but hearing peoples testimonies that I have come across it makes everything that much more tempting!

"During the elimination phase, you should follow the low FODMAP diet strictly and eliminate all foods on the high-FODMAP list for around 6 weeks."
Source 

I have yet to actually go through the elimination phase, but just by lowering the amount of high fodmaps that I put into my mouth I am seeing massive improvements in my general gastro health. If you have IBS yourself I would definitely recommend looking into fodmaps and the highs and lows of the food they categorise, even if you just follow my approach and lower the higher fodmap foods that you put into your mouth. 

I am still researching into The Low-Fodmap diet, by looking at different blogs, journals and articles on the subject, but I am very glad for the information I have found so far and I wouldn't have known about it unless I'd have researched into it one late night.

Here's a couple of useful Fodmap Food Lists.

xoChloexo 

Wednesday 23 July 2014

WIAW: Because I Finally Remembered!

It feels like forever since I linked up with Jenn for a WIAW post. But I finally remembered to get some candid shots of my eating from yesterday and I thought why not blog it...

This will be a quick post as I am currently sweating my ass off and all I am doing is sitting on my bed. The good weather has hit and I want to make the most of it. Living in England you never know exactly how long this amazing weather will last. It could literally be gone tomorrow!

                                                            Meal One


Snack One



Meal Two



Snack Two and Three




Meal Three



Now the warm weather has finally hit, I find myself reaching for the easy to plate (no slaving over a stove), chilled and fresh meals. Grab and Go is what I have been about recently and it is definitely evident in these photos!

Can't wait to sneak a peek at everyone elses eats...let's go.

xoChloexo


Wednesday 16 July 2014

Doing Things Just For Doings Sake

I have been done with University for the past month and a half now and it's stressful trying to get a job. Trying to maintain a routine has been key to not having a full fledged breakdown, but I'd be lying if I said that I haven't been struggling. And struggling I have, big time. Since my birthday meltdown last month I have been getting by pretty well, but not having a job nor an education to work towards is getting on my nerves. Having a job means having a routine and something to keep my mind preoccupied.

I've gone from having a job and being a university undergraduate, to being unemployed and it's beginning to take its toll. I know most grads would be jumping at the chance to relax after all the hard-work they've just put in to their degree, but I am ready to get out there already. The problem is I have social anxiety/anxiety and it is sometimes a problem doing everyday tasks and so I often question how I am going to survive in the real world that faces me. Will I completely fail? Will I cower and avoid situations that make me feel uncomfortable? All these questions are negative, of course, that's the way my brain works. It naturally jumps to the negative and that's something I am working on, improving the way I see and perceive situations.

But with all this in mind, during my small strength and resistance workout this morning, I found myself pondering the idea am I doing it to prove a point? Am I just doing things for doings sake? As people we do this on a daily basis, we do things just to go through the motions. There's no enjoyment in the task at all, but it needs to get done. Like washing up the plates, or doing the laundry, because if we don't, who will? But there are certain things that we need to drop because they don't make us feel good and it's unnecessary to put ourselves through that.

These thoughts and emotions stem from my looming Graduate Assessment day, but the thing is that it's for a position that I don't even want. But neither do I know what I want to do, so should I just go for it? Probably wasting both my time and my money on buying train tickets to get there. Or should I kindly phone up and say that I won't be attending. If it's not something you want to do, should you continue ahead and do it anyway is the question I am asking? If I was offering advice to someone else, I would say forget it, phone up and cancel. And maybe that's the advice I should follow myself.

I'm not someone who left University knowing what they wanted to do, and that's not necessarily a bad thing, but I am only now realising that. Everybody has their own path to follow and at the moment I am definitely feeling lost. But I can't help think that feeling 'lost' is a kind of luxury, a luxury I can only afford for a while longer. Time and money are both running thin and I need to have a serious think about what I want to do and how to go about achieving that. If that means taking classes and working retail, then that should be the path I follow.

I think this is enough rambling from me. It is time to get on with the rest of the day, including a trip up the A&E with the mother for her messed up eye.

xoChloexo 

Monday 30 June 2014

My Motivation has been Flattened by Overindulgence

I knew moving back home would never be easy and with no plan for the future I have let the pressure get to me. For the first time in my life the future holds no certainty for me and this has had a severe impact on me over the course of the past five months. In the last month alone I have seen my weight rise week by week by the pound and it would be ignorant of me if I pretended I had no idea why.

I have made poor upon poor choices when it has come to food and what I have chosen to let pass my lips. It hasn't been takeaway after takeaway or even binge after binge, but by overeating on numerous occasions, meal after meal the consequences of my actions are beginning to show on my waist line. I have finally come to terms with the fact that this is a thing that I will always have to battle with and fight against. But it's the way that I choose to fight through these circumstances that will grow to define me. And I need to admit that I haven't been finding...I couldn't find my feet fast enough and I began to fall short.

My mentality has been all over the place and I have talked myself out of so many opportunities over the past six months. This period in my life has tested me the most so far, and I feel like I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel as they say.

It's not going to be easy getting back on track, especially with the eating and the exercise but it is something that I have grown to need in my life. It's presences provides an outlet that promotes stability and when I don't have that present in my life my cracks begin to show and I tend to fail. It has taken me a while to realise that exercise and a good, healthy diet is essential, but it is something definitely worth fighting for.

I think that's enough explanation and it is definitely time to begin yet another chapter in this sometimes tedious journey we call life! This realisation has come at the right time because tomorrow it will be July....and the let down that was June can fade into the past.

xoChloexo

Saturday 26 April 2014

Sometimes You Just Need To Take A Break

And amen to that...

Recently, I have been so stressed, and this stress probably won't leave entirely until deadlines are finished and I am in a secure job. In fact, even then I'll still be stressing over something or other. I am just a natural stresshead. If there is something to stress over I will, and that is why it's good when I notice it and do something about it.

Over the years, I have noticed that I need exercise. For me exercise wards off stress. And believe me, when I am stressed I'm not very nice to be around. I could get stressed over a paper bag. Is that even a saying? Oh well, I am a stresshead and that's that. But sometimes it is nice to just drift back, forget the world and do something for me. Like I have already mentioned, for me exercise is number one but you really can't beat a good, stress-free bath. Baths are great. Sometimes, I really don't feel like running one and I go weeks without turning on the tap and pouring in the bubbles.

Don't worry! I wash of course. But like everyone I know, showers are the easiest way in this day and age to get everything done in one and out the door within the hour. For me, a bath takes time. Time I don't always have and that's why I become complacent. Of course, in actual fact, the time is always there! It's just taken up with other crap of god knows what....

But when I do have a bath, I like to make it special.

I take an hour, whenever it's free. I light candles, grab a magazine and get the water nice and hot. For me, the hotter the better. I like to sweat it out even in the bath! Recently (in the past five months or so), however, I haven't just been throwing in some Radox and jumping in. Instead, I have been stocking up on Lush goodies. I discovered Lush the same time I began working at WHSmiths (November). Lush is right next door to WHSmiths and after work I used to pop in and grab one of their goodies (and there's a lot!). At first I only had their bath bombs, but as I have become familiar with their products and what they are about as a company, I have worked up the nerve to branch out and try some of their other products. (All which are amazing so far, damn you Lush for taking my well earned monies!)

Back in December when I was going University in the Week and going to work on the weekend, Lush Bath Bombs were an essential, and sometimes they even got me through the working day, knowing I had that and a glass of vino to look forward to!

And so today, I am going to share one of my latest favourites with you.

The bath bomb I am sharing with you is the 'Phoenix Rising' and it really is as dramatic as its title.



I first purchased this bb back in December, but it was a gift for my sister as part of her Christmas bundle. When she used it, she called me in and we watched to see what this one was going to do. All Lush bath bombs do something unique and we couldn't quite contain our excitement. Ok, ok, so I couldn't quite contain myself! Like I said above, they are something special and every time I use one it feels like an expensive treat. The prices are really affordable if you check out their website you will see what I mean! Obviously, no-ones using a bath bomb every night of the week. They are meant to be used as a treat and compared to getting your nails done or having a massage (both of which I love!) it isn't as pricey. Beauty on a budget is one way to look at it.

Anyways, getting back on track!



The 'Phoenix Rising' is purple, a weird shape and the outer layer is covered in gold dust. It's one of the prettiest bath bombs, and the main reason why I got one as a gift in the first place. Apart from looking pretty, this purple stone does wonders for your skin. They sum this product up with a quote 'Rise refreshed and hydrated', and I can agree, it does both! The reason I repurchased it for myself was because I wanted a bath bomb that was infused with oil, and the nice lady in the store suggested a few and amongst them was this one. It has an array of ingredients, the main four being; Bergamot Oil, Fair Trade Shea Butter, Cassia Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil . With this mixture of oils and butters, it is easy to see why your skin feels so nourished afterwards. I got out the bath feeling like I had already moisturised! And it freaked me out in the best way possible.








My only negative niggle is that it did stain the bath slightly, only slightly though and with some spray and a wipe down it was gone and it is definitely worth it for all the benefits it gives.

Rating: 3/5

You may be wondering why I only gave it a 3. The reason behind it is as follows; I wasn't a fan of the scent, and because of this it didn't make my favourite Lush products list. However, I would definitely repurchase this item, just because it made my skin feel great! For those out there who have never tried Lush products, I would say pop in, have a chat with the staff and find out a bit about the products. And then when you've found out what is good for your skin, try out the products and treat yourself!

xoChloexo

Wednesday 23 April 2014

WIAW: The Healthy Edition

I have recently been on a health kick. It had kicked in before I went home for Easter, dipped off whilst I was at home for a week, and then when I got back last Friday I headed straight to the gym. It was honestly the best thing I could have done and I had a great session, after sitting in traffic for two hours coming back.

My stomach still hasn't adjusted to my new eating habits, but hopefully it will catch-up soon!

I've made a concious effort when I go shopping to not buy rubbish. If I buy rubbish, I will proceed to eat the rubbish. And so if I don't buy it, it isn't there...or at least that is the plan.

Today I am doing more showing, than telling, because I am writing this as I run out the door to head out to the library. The many joys of dissertation writing...to which there are none!


Firstly, a look at the things I have been buying. I am really into instagramming my mini-shopping hauls lately.


Next, this is what my snacks have looked like. Berries and yoghurt has been a big hit with my stomach.


Nakd Bars, I really can't get enough! I have been trying out a few and so far I love them all, especially the gingerbread one, so, so good. I love how there is hardly any ingredients in them, so they don't feel so naughty.



Grapes are back on the shopping list, but they never seem to last very long, who knows why ;-D.



Broccoli Stems is what I snacked on while I cooked Sunday.


Boiled Eggs are always a favourite snack of mine.


Cereal combination's has made it's return...


in a mug!


And I have been loving another naked brand in the form of Naked Juices. I had been eyeing them up for ages, and finally purchased a few. There's a review coming soon, but I can definitely say that from what I have tried they are amazing!


Does anybody else go through a phase of craving Salads?


I think the better weather may have something to do with that! Which has unfortunately disappeared somewhere... :-(


I made a Spag Bol with Brocolli and no Pasta, not bad at all!


Then I craved Fish....


And more fish... I am on a serious Fish Kick recently, if that's a thing?!


So, that gives you a rough idea what my eating has generally been about lately. I'm not striving for perfection, just clean, healthy eating that makes me feel amazing!

What have you been striving for recently?
Have you re-discovered or discovered, any new meals or snacks etc.?

Thanks for Reading! And of course, thanks to Jenn for hosting :-D


xoChloexo


Wednesday 9 April 2014

Regaining Strength

I wrote this on Sunday and completely forgot...

It's currently Sunday afternoon and I am not proud to admit, but I have a mild hangover still lingering from last night. A long story short...I am never drinking that much vodka again....ever. Maybe.

This week was the most stressful week I've had in a long time, and besides last night, my eating and drinking has been on point. Not perfect, but most days have been balanced.

On Tuesday I got back into the swing of things, after my Creative Writing deadline on Monday. I had planned to get back into the gym that same day, but I think looking back that that was a little too ambitious. I made it to the gym bright and early Tuesday and took it slower than I had been a month ago. Instead of doing my usual twenty minutes warm up cardio on the cross-trainer, I did fifteen. And then I moved onto the treadmill and managed to do twenty minutes between 4.5 and 5.0, just enough to keep my heart rate up and sweat some more. After the treadmill, I gulped down some water (damn did I need it) and dragged my already tired ass to the the stair-master machine. I did 5 minutes at level 5 and it wasn't too bad. But I was feeling it in my ass the next day, let me tell you. I had to climb the stairs to the I.T suite to hand in yet another assignment, and I was definitely doing a sort of waddle/limp thing.

While I was there I also did some weight and resistance training, using both the machines and free weights. I am really determined to build strong arms with definition. I feel like this one is always a goal of mine though! I quickly realised that I had indeed, as my fears confirmed, lost some strength. I knew my arms didn't look as toned, but it must have taken a little strength as well. That made me feel disappointed at first, but I went back on Thursday feeling determined.

My goal was to get to the gym as much as I could this week, and I did. I kept that promise to myself even on Friday when I wasn't really feeling it.

Wednesday I couldn't make it. Like I have already mentioned I handed in my last ever assignment that day, and I just couldn't let it go. I wanted to hold on to it, taking pride in it like it was my child. I finally let it go at 17:00, after a much to do palava involving printing my work, and have been having anxiety over it ever since. Feeling exhausted and slightly cross-eyed from looking at the screen all day I waddled home (you see I have a thing about waddling), and slumped myself into my seat and didn't move a good few hours. I was exhausted. I planned to lie-in the following morning, the Thursday, but at 05:30 my brain woke me with a critical analysis of the piece I had handed in the day before. Thanks for that brain! Surprisingly though the day went fine. I got up after an hour of just lying there driving myself crazy and listening to music to drain my sorrows my mind out.

I decided to boil the kettle, and brew up a cup of chai tea (my new favourite hot caffeineted mug of delightfulness). I took my tablets, ate a banana and debated breakfast. Was it to early to eat? I decided on no, and an hour later I was boiling milk on the hob like an old fashioned so and so, ready to poor it over my weetabix. In bed I watched YouTube videos and enjoyed just lying there all comfy and cosy, letting the morning pass me by. By the time I moved from my warm and comfy pit it was 09:30. I decided I would run some errands, get some fresh produce in, and head to the gym. All of which I managed to accomplish.

Which brings me to Thursdays session. The sky was grey and overcast, and drizzle was dribbling down my face, but I was determined to put everything I had into the session. And I did. Every ounce of my being went into that session and I was incredibly sore the next morning for class.

Thursday's session consisted of  my usual twenty minutes cardio on the cross-trainer, fifteen minutes on the treadmill, and five minutes on the stairmaster. I was back I told myself. I've got this. And my confidence didn't let me down! Once the cardio was out of the way, I tackled the strength part of my workout. And the first half had given me such confidence (I imagined that I was an athlete), I smashed it. I did more reps of everything, especially arms and abs and I felt amazing for it. This is the reason I go, I thought, for moments like these ones. Moments that you feel like you could carry on forever, like nobody could stop you and you could do this all night. That is until the next sit-up becomes painful, and puts you back in your amateur place.

On Friday I made it to the gym again, but this time I really had to coax myself. How much do you want this, I asked myself? Will it be worth it? Now, I don't know about you, but for me the exercise is always worth it and there's never a session I think that I shouldn't have gone. It just doesn't happen, and with that in mind after a long walk to the docs and back I walked through the dreaded double doors to get it done with. I was in there an hour and half I believe and after the first ten minutes I was really into it. I did Thursdays circuit of events and got into it. I even experimented with some new ab and arm moves.

So all in all, despite it being a stressful week, it was a good one.

xoChloexo

Wednesday 26 March 2014

Everyone Has To Start Somewhere


I heard this saying the other day. I can't remember in exactly what context it was said, but it was something that definitely resonated with me.

And it is true, 'We do all have to start somewhere...'. Where that may be is upto us. We are the ones who have that control.

This Is Me: LOVE: FAITHFULLY FEARLESSLY FOREVER
Source

Sometimes it may feel as though it is slipping out of our hands, but stop, breathe, and take another look. You still have the reins in your hand, you are still in control.

But that's something I had certainly forgot up until this week. When I truly remember it, it tends to stick around for a long time. And I remembered the other day just how long I have made it. I made it a total of nine moths before crashing out, and that's not bad at all, is it? I don't think so, and in fact that's one of my best attempts. But then I remembered something, the things that got me through I had lost. I had stopped working out and I no longer had the faith and confidence. And these things are vital for how I got to where I am today.

This says it all. Do you see other body types and be like yeah "I #want that, but ill never get that. I may as well keep eating these chips and chocolate. Its ways too much effort to get there and like that, and besides when i try, i fail, and just get worse than i was!" #Guesswhatpeeps. Your lieing to yourself! If she/he can, why in tar nations cant you.?! Exactly. You just need to get back on the wagon with the right people and YOU WILL GET there! :) Everyone has to start somewhere, U will too

So, here's to the next stint. Let's hope it lasts as long as the last. And if you are thinking of giving up, remember, 'Everyone has to start somewhere' and make that day today. Go on, you know you want to...I know I do.

It's not about where you are right now, or where you've been for however long, that's just temporary or in the past. It is about where you are going, and that's up to you.



When's your best place to start again? Or to move on...


xo Chloe xo

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Procrastination and A Full Plate!

The full plate I am in fact referring to is that of my life. There is so much to do, and I just can't find where to begin.



 If I start one thing I am neglecting the other, and I battle this vicious circle until I finally pick a path.

The problem is, this doesn't always happen straight away and by then a few hours of my life has been wasted. A few hours where I could have gone to the gym, come home and showered.

I honestly can't tell you how many hours I have wasted in contemplation and avoidance. The two seem to just go hand in hand. It's almost like I am contemplating to avoid!

There's no time like the present

Writing that down, and it somehow becomes more funny and I can definitely see where my wasted time is going.

Do you ever have that problem? Too much to do, so instead you do nothing.

The logic of the above is baffling beyond believe, and as a logical, everything must have an answer kind-of-a-girl, then I realise wholeheartedly how crazy the above is.

But I also realise the things that are holding me back, and how and why I am procrastinating....yep I realise these little add-ons that I am using to explain, only make me sound crazier.

But with all this said I am sure I am not alone. Procrastination comes to us at some point or another, usually when we least what it to spring, and that's exactly how I am feeling now.

I actually...and this is the god's honest truth, stopped going to the gym because it was cutting into my studying time. But now looking back I realise that it was actually removing me of unwanted stress and giving me balance. Yes, it is fair to say that I've been a right plonker!

This is why I am heading back to the gym once I am back in Cheltenham again. So not only have I not been going, but my genius plan of more study-time failed also.

And I have a feeling procrastination isn't something that just fades and falls away with age either?!

So, that's why I have decided to write a list, prioritise things on that list, and then get that work or those things done.

I am beginning to realise that I am not Superwoman (though I have had those dreams), and so sometimes things need to get left behind and knocked of the list.

And that's just something I need to be ok with.

There's no time like the present. #inspiration #wisewords

Q.) What's the craziest way you procrastinate?

A.) I clean everything, even my shoes!

xo Chloe xo

Monday 24 March 2014

Let's Not Waste Another Week

That's all I feel like I am achieving at the moment. The days have been ticking by and I've been letting them. It's horrible to know where I would be if I had taken control again sooner. But, there you have it, it's time to take control again.

Breathe...
(Source)

I definitely need this cup in my life!

Lately I've been satisfied by simple things like breathing in and breathing out...
(Source)

Need to find a place to buy this mug/cup. So, if you know of a place to get one, let me know.

I need to stop thinking of it (this new process) as continuing on. I don't think that's productive. Instead I am starting anew. I'm going to begin again, at this weight, at this fitness ability, and work my way up.


Well said! Try to replace worrying with staying focused on your goals, being productive and always being positive.


At the end of the day, it is never too late to achieve what you want if you try again.

So, with that said, I am trying again. With new goals. With new dreams. And....a new direction.

Preciously Me blog : You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream

Everything for once isn't set in stone for the next few months, let alone the next year. But instead of avoiding it, I need to start getting things in order. That's the only way to get through this. And a routine of diet and exercise, coupled with the rest, like staying hydrated, can only help with this goal.

Do you have any new goals?


xoChloexo