Mini leg workout challenge this week USE THE STAIRS

With a lot of people requesting another mini challenge, I thought I would come to the party as everyone did extremely well with our 1000 squats in 5 days last week!!! Jeepers were my legs sore! Yours??? Yes, I know. 

Step it up. Take the stairs challenge

Fitness


This one is pretty easy. I didn't want to stretch our friendship so instead of 200 reps per day, I have dropped it down to 100 step ups per day over the next 5 days = 500! Which simply means, go hard for 60 seconds and slow for 30 seconds. 

Example 20 step up x 5 sets

The aim of this challenge is to get your heart rate up and I will be doing mine as part of my interval training which gets my heart pumping and body sweating. So just because you go up a flight of stairs everyday at your apartment block, at work etc... you're not really working up a sweat are you?

For those unable to do this type of interval work, simply take the stairs and avoid any escalators and lifts. This also applies to parking. Park as far away from wherever you are going so it forces you to make more steps in your day!

Food

Our Stand Up And Be Rawesome challenge AKA #standfullyraw is going great guns and people on Instagram have been tagging some amazing meal ideas. Here are just a few AMAZING people that I truly adore and they inspire me daily!!!! YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW THEM if you are on Instagram.

justglowingwithhealth
purtyvicky
realfood4thought
rawnaeima

Fully raw meal ideas 

We have been enjoying our juices and smoothies this week, here's just a few of our favourite ones.

Banana chocolate smoothie

2 bananas

1tsp vanilla essence

1tsp chia and sesame seeds

1 scoop of 180 Nutrition chocolate protein powder

handful of walnuts

almond milk

Chocolate smoothie

Strawberry banana and coconut smoothie

2 bananas
1 punnet of strawberries
1 scoop of 180 Nutrition coconut powder
almond milk

Strawberry banana smoothie

Here was our lunch today, my Dad loves french toast. I made it with a twist.

French Toast club sandwiches

Simply mix eggs, a splash of water with salt and pepper, dip in wholemeal bread and cook in olive oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towel and start building your club sandwiches. 

We had smoked ham, parmesan cheese with spinach. Amazing!

French toast club sandwiches

BTW here's a picture of Zali and I with our final squat last week. She's a trooper. Monkey see, monkey do. Or is it like Mother like Daughter?

Drop it like a squat

Please note, I was heading out that evening so all I had to do was put on my stiletto's and a leather jacket and my rockstar outfit was complete. I am loving Lorna Jane's active gear and loved Lorna's twitter back to me when she saw this pic: 

"Your Active Life extends beyond the walls of the gym. It's for the girl on the go - glad you love it. Lx" 

Love it I do, Lorna. Thanks for being such a great designer. 

Goodnight from me. Until we meet again xx Dani

This post is proudly sponsored by 1st Available. Click now to register for free.

Weight loss story Transformation Tuesday - Helené

This transformation will blow your mind!!! Seriously! 

For those that are finding it difficult out there or feeling like they have plataued, this interview will make you realise ANYTHING is possible!!!!

Let me introduce the beautiful and wonderful Helené Mikanovic from the most romantic countries in the world, France. I have been following her on Instagram since early this year and all I can say is WOW! Truly one amazing girl and she has such a wonderful story to share!

Weight loss story 51kgs AKA 112lbs already LOST!!!! 

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?

I'm 25years old, I'm not really in a particular diet, the "basics" were given to me by a doctor in February 2012, and since. I eat healthy, I workout every day, trying to listen to my body and it works very well :)

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 

When I was a kid, I was like all the other children. I like to eat sweets, chocolate, chips, ice cream, cakes, Mcdonalds etc... all these things that are not healthy. Quick things to eat. I don't take the time to discover the flavors, my mother had some vegetables I immediately said "no, I don't like it!" while I had ever tasted.
I learned to eat things I never eat before, some vegetables, for example, I learned to appreciate the real flavor and not things filled with chemical things.Take the time to discover, take the time to try several times. It changed my way of eating, my way of life.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?When I was young my weight was “normal”, I praticed sport (fencing), high level sport, I did sport for most of 12 years. I was departemental champion (I have pics if you are interested!) I was a sportswoman, I did bike and swimming. I was a young active child. Then one day I had a fight with my teacher. I think it was at this time (15yo) that I start gain weight.
Now I begin to love the sport again. I don't do sports at a high level because my highest weight was 396lbs (180kgs) and at this weight, you can imagine the difficulty playing sports!
Now, I do stepper, walking, squats, cycling and swimming. Gradually!
But on TV :) I love watching tennis

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?I'm passionate about many things. I love the simple things in life. I like to walk in the forest, in the countryside. I love beautiful scenery, watching the sea, I love taking pictures. I like to capture every moment of my life.before my weight loss and even now.
I'm a very simple girl, a hello, a smile, a little attention makes me smile :) I'm not complicated, I love people, I love life, I love the simplicity.
I like to share my experience on instagram. I smile when I get nice comments, I smile when I get advice, I smile when I see the progress of my friends on instagram, I love people who are fighting for their lives. I smile when I see people post nasty comments because I think they make me move forward in life.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?When I was young, my parents took me see some doctors for my weight, I also went into center for obese children. 3 times for long months… I lose weight but after, I always became more fat. I know all methods “balanced” diet, as I was eating everything but in small quantities by removing cakes etc. I lost 2,2lbs (1kg) per month. I’m not saying it is not good but when weighed 319lbs (145kgs) at 24 yo height 1.69cm, it is urgent to lose weight for health reasons.
So I decided to make an appointment with a nutritionist (january2012). I was happy to go to my appointment … and then..........I went, I came out crying.
Why? Because I was unmotivated, saying that it was difficult to lose weight and in my case surgery would be best (sleeve, bypass etc …). For me it was out of the question that I do make. I was motivated and I was losing weight so why have surgery???
I’ve never been to see her again.
One word in my head: SUCCESSFUL, to become what I am!
NO! I can do it, I want to get there, this doctor was so mean to me, I was just looking for help!
It was THE thing.

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

I don't have a goal for the next 12 months. My real goal is to have a healthy life. forever.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

I'm not a doctor, I'm not a professional. I just want to say that everything is possible, you should never give up. Don't let anyone discourage you, surround yourself with good people. Let anyone try to take the wrong wayeven once. Bad habits are so easy to pick up! I just want to tell you, no matter where you start, nothing is impossible. yes it takes time, but believe me it is the best gift that you can do in life.
My journey is not over, I continue every day to share with you, I know how hard it is, there is no miracle but the miracle is really changing. become what you are.

NB: Helené has replied back to these questions via email and apologised for her English but I think she did an amazing job and I did not edit one word. I would be terrible at French! 

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing journey with us all Helené. I look forward to catching up with you later on in the year to see your progress. For those that wish to follow Helené, please do so on her Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Tell me what are some things that stop your healthy lifestyle?

♥ Dani 

Fully Raw - My 7 days of going fully raw or semi 80/20

Here's a quick snap shot of my week, it's been tough but I am slowly learning how to fuel my body with plant based foods.

Day 1 My first day ever to eat purely 100% plant based foods! Had a huge bowl of apples (6 in fact) sprinkled cinnamon for breakfast and funny enough, felt very satisfied. I need to ensure I eat a least 2,000 calories today so breaky was 400!

Fully raw apple cereal with cinnamon

Day 2 Making heaps of green juices and even the kids are loving all the cleaning and preparation of fresh foods. The only drama is, sometimes this process is taking up too much of my time as typically I'd only have to clean a handful of veggies and then throw some meat in the mix.
Starting to feel hungry, tired and light headed. No caffeine will do this to you too!

Baby green smoothies

Day 3 Loving our Peachs fruit and vegetable boxes. It makes me realise how much we need to incorporate more raw food in our lifestyle. Mind you there are those vegetables we don't eat raw, so I make those for the rest of the family eg: baked potatoes 
Still feeling a little up and then down today as I had a really late night. Many catch ups over the school holidays, so kids are keeping me very busy. I need to drink MORE water to flush out whatever is going on here!

Peachs Fruit and Vegetable fruit boxes. ORDER YOURS NOW!!! 

Day 4 Loads and loads of fruit today, also handful of walnuts. Then a plate full of these gorgeous veggies. Slowly getting into the swing of things but still so very hungry, so I am working out how much my body needs to feel full. Kids are also topping up their meals with crackers and dips, meats, yogurt so they are filling a lot more full.

Fully raw salad

Day 5 Starting to feel less fatigued and starting to incorporate more animal products. A little bit of yogurt, quinoa and meats. Majority of my food is plant based and I am simply loving the colours of some of these juices. Here is our watermelon, apple and pear juice! Simply divine! Kids loved the fact the bee was in this picture.

Watermelon, apple and pear juice

Day 6 Starting to feel a bit better not 100% but I also know this is due to lack of sleep. I also don't drink coffee every day so I am kinda sabotaging myself with getting slight headaches due to the caffeine withdrawal. I need to cut it 100% to make this work. Starting to add seafood in my diet along with other meats.

Prawn salad

Day 7 Oscar has been regular since we started our 80/20 lifestyle. No longer taking Osmolax which was a daily dosage to soften his stool. If we missed a day or 2 he would be bound for 2-3 days. So he's been one very happy camper this week!

Fully raw kids breakfast fruit platter

Here's what our kids have found challenging, eating raw over the past 7 days

Noah 7 years old "it is hard to just eat the one fruit each meal time, every day"
Oscar 5 years old "I still like eating my fruits and vegetables but sometimes it doesn't fill me up. I just want to eat something more that's good for you. Like chicken and avocado sandwiches."
Mietta 3 years old "I love strawberries but not canteloupe"
Zali 1 year old no comment


180 Nutrition

Thank goodness my all natural protein powder provides additional calories in my day. I simply place a scoop in my smoothies and bump up it at least 200-300 calories. They also have a VEGAN range using pea protein isolate. Once again it's all 100% natural with no hidden surprises. I blend mine as a smoothie as one daily serve of 180 provides;

• a healthy meal replacement
• provide increased energy levels
• assist lean muscle growth
• help regulate your body weight
• improve digestion (gluten free)

Make sure you use my 10% PROMO CODE 264464 at check out if you want to purchase some. I swear by it!

Fitness

This week I did squats up against a wall with my fitness ball as I am experiencing a little lower back pain. I'm not getting enough sleep which I notice impacts on me.

So with my Fit Yummy Mummy routine, I incorporated my squat interval training. Here is a picture of my modified squats for those that also may experience low back pain but are still safe to exercise.

How was your first week of being fully raw? Did you buckle like me and shift to the 80/20? I hope most of you are at least trying to eat one fully raw meal per day. 

Peachs fruit and vegetables on Eastwood St

Please extend this invitation to whoever you know that lives in the Ballarat area. Mention my blog to receive a 10% discount off fruit & vegetable purchases at Peachs on Eastwood St, Ballarat. 

What's your favourite raw dish?

♥ Dani 

Weight loss Transformation Tuesday with Joanna Pace

I'd like to introduce the lovely Joanna Pace, she is such an inspiration. I have been following her sister Janet's Facebook Page Fitness to Faithfulness and I am truly grateful she was happy to share her transformation with us here today.


How fabulous does she look? Rocking it Mama Joanna, like a true rock star!!!

Joanna dropped 3 jean sizes in less than 9 months!

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?


I am 46 years old, married 25 years, and have three gorgeous children ages 23, 19, and 16.  Ever since my pregnancies, I have always stayed active, working off the baby weight, doing aerobics.  The older I got, extra weight was hanging on.  I started running in 2000 and that seemed to work for awhile.  Since, I turned 40, I was not happy with my body shape.  I was working out hard, but never seeing any changes, weighing 150+ wanting to give up.  I had the mindset that since I was working out, I could eat anything I wanted!  Big mistake!  I was negating everything I was working hard for!  In Feb. 2012, I started Turbo Fire and loved it!  But, still frustrated with no weight loss.  I was still eating as I had always done thinking I was eating healthy!   On August, 5, 2012, I decided to make a change and my healthy fitness journey began.  I began to track my calories with the My Fitness Pal app, started making healthy eating choices, cut ALMOST all the sugar out of my diet, and worked out with Turbo Fire.  Then, and only then, did I start seeing results!  I was losing 1 lb. a week!  By March 6, I had lost 24 lbs. weighing 126.  I have had a 16% change in my body.  I have lost 4 jean sizes!  I am now a size 3!

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 

As a kid and up until last August, I ate anything I wanted, mostly not healthy...casseroles, fried foods, desserts, fast food.  I ate a ton of sugar and I snacked a lot!  It didn't even register to me that I was eating unhealthy until I started tracking my calories.  I was shocked!  Now I do not go over my allotted calories for the day, no matter what.  I cut out desserts and sugary snacks and I only allow something sweet if I have any calories left over.  If I snack, it is fruit, veggies, or almonds.  My biggest smile of the day is if I have enough calories left over to allow myself to have microwave popcorn in the evening!  My eating has totally changed and I will never go back.  It is a lifestyle change, for sure.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

I have never played sports per say, but after Turbo Fire, I consider myself an athlete!  I am stronger than I have ever been before, I can jump higher than I ever have, and my body looks better now than when I was a skinny 110 lb. teenager...before children!  Growing up, I hated to sweat.  The sweat pours off of me now and I love it!!  

I love watching my son play high school football!  Go Seven Lakes!  And I love watching my home football teams, the Houston Texans and Texas A&M play!  Huge fans!  

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

What makes me smile?  My children and my husband!  I have been a homemaker for 25 years and absolutely love being a mother to my three children!  I have dedicated my entire adult life to being the best mom and wife I could be!  I love Jesus!  He is the whole purpose of my life!  Without Him, I would be nothing!  I am a praise team singer at Second Baptist Church, one of the largest churches in Houston.  I have the privilege of singing to thousands of people every single week.  I am also involved in a women's praise team, Watershed, that I am so blessed to be a part of.  I love movies and books and have a huge collection of both!  My favorite pastime is sitting down and watching a movie with the family, by myself, in the theater, at home, anytime!  I love it!

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? 

My catalyst for my lifestyle change was after seeing pictures of myself on a cruise I took in July.  That's what it took.  I was so frustrated and really wanted to see a change.  And I knew it had to be something totally different than what I have done in the past.  Obviously, that was not working for me!  The thing is, nobody thought I needed to lose weight.  When I told them I was 150 lbs., they didn't believe me or that I wore a size 10 jean.  I am the first one to admit that I could "rock" my clothes!  The truth of the matter was that I was never content or happy with my body shape underneath those clothes.  I was not making healthy eating choices and I negated my working out by thinking I could eat anything I wanted BECAUSE I was working out!  I am finally happy and content with my body shape for the first time ever!  And it's a conscience decision every day!  

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

My goal over the next 12 months, and really, the rest of my life, is to maintain my weight and continue on with my healthy lifestyle with exercise and healthy eating.  It's a choice everyday!  Everyday making that choice what my body needs...not want I WANT!  Treating my body with respectful choices...it's the only one I've got!!!!!  

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!  I thought I was always going to be the weight I was.  I remember having a bad attitude thinking, well, might as well eat "that", it doesn't matter!  I'm always going to have this belly pooch and these muffin tops!  It's a hard road, but you can do it!!!  If you have a not so good day today, be better tomorrow!  Soon it will be a lifestyle!  Choices will become easier!  Eat more at home.  Know what you are putting in your body!  If you eat out, choose a salad or grilled foods.  Know exactly what you are ordering!  You can eat out and still eat healthy!  Go online and check out their menus before going so you know what you are ordering!  Don't drink your calories!!!  Go ahead, get started today...you can do it.

How fabulous!!! thanks again for sharing your amazing story with us Joanna and anybody who would like to follow Joanna please do;

www.facebook.com/joanna.b.pace
www.beachbodycoach.com/joannapace 
www.instagram.com/joannapace 

For your feature please send me your pictures and write in the subject line: TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY and email me dani@fintessfoodandstyle.com.au

XxDani