Just last week, myself and my housemate Charley were sat sunning it up in Market Square with a Pimms in hand, sunglasses and flip flops on...now I'm hearing reports it's going to snow whilst sat writing this post wearing a scarf. Inside. Not okay.
I do love the Brits though. As soon as a bit of sun is seen they're practically naked. Shorts on, sunglasses and fake tan sales start going sky high as people look for that 'Sun kissed tan'. Really they just smell like biscuits and look a bit of a funny shade..each to their own! However, the 'Ready for Summer' look is coming to a town near you.
Saying that, although it's been a chilly week the mornings have been so fresh, which certainly puts me in a good mood! Sun shining, walking to uni, being productive (kind of) makes you feel great! Even better, when I came back to Notts this week I'd also packed all my holiday gear ready for a cheeky weekend trip to Spain on Thursday!
Summer season is just around the corner and it's the time everyone starts to 'eat clean' hit the gym, teatox, tan up, whatever your regime is..now is when it begins!
With my holidays booked for Summer I'm definitely shaping up for a good one this year! So this week, I've started my Summer 'cleanse' if you like. Eating & drinking well, working out & feeling good to be honest!
One of my favourite things about Summer (apart from the Sun) is food! Summer brings so many delicious foods that you can add to your meals & make you feel great! Add some strawberries & pomegranates to make a summery salad, or even infuse some green tea like I did this week with fresh berries - it was delish!
Summer is full of flavour with salads especially, get those sweet spices out of the cupboard & into your meals - trust me, what you eat makes such a difference to how you feel! As I discovered more this week..
One of my friends is a PT and told me "Abs are made in the kitchen April" - for some reason, this has really stuck with me this week & after making a few changes to my diet & making a plan I've seen a good difference this week! (Saying that, Bank Holiday binge has taken me back to square one..oh well, need a little fun in your life!)
The changes I made this week were so simple, yet so effective & I've educated myself and my body to react the way I want! Simple things like including leafy greens (Spinach, asparagus, green beans, pak choi) into the majority of your meals give you such good anti-oxidants leaving you feeling refreshed, but satisfied.
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| Salmon with courgette spaghetti! |
I've also increased my fish intake this week (I always do meat-free Monday) but I tried some new things this week, including mackerel, which is an especially good fish to eat! It's full of good fats, omega 3 and plenty of protein to help keep you lean! However, salmon is always my fave & my new favourite is courgette noodles! Literally obsessed with these, stir fry for 2 mins with a little coconut oil & you're good to go!
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| Curious Manor Avocado Salso Eggs |
Before a visit to one of my now favourite places in Notts, Curious Manor, I never really associated avocado with breakfast. Now, I've been having it at least twice a week! It's full of good fats & keeps you fuller for longer. Accompany it with two poached eggs, some grilled tomatoes, you're onto a winner!
Mixing up your food's also a really good way to get your body into shape (I've discovered this week) if your body always knows what to expect it will just get bored of digesting foods & not give it anything to think about. The same with workouts. So mix up your breakfasts!
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| Eggs galore! Scrambled with asparagus. |
I'm going a bit overboard with my eggs but mix up all different types of eggs, scrambled, poached, semi-boiled (6mins boiling), then accompany them with asparagus, avocado and grilled tomatoes are always a winner! Packed with good fats & protein is a fab way to start the day!
Experiment at the gym. Don't make it easy for yourself, where's the fun in that? Mix up your workouts, try new things! My friend James showed me some new exercises this week, I'm aching after trying them but no pain, no gain!
Spend it up!
Summer is my favourite season by far & I don't think you have to go overboard to get that Summer look anymore! Don't get me wrong, Topshop, River Island & Zara are definitely some of my fave shops, but Primark is the one for me this week!
After a trip to Sheffield with my lovely Mother, we enjoyed a lovely summery salad at Giraffe before hitting the shops & grabbing some bargains! Primary has such a good range of Summer clothes at the moment & you'd be a fool not to have a look! 90p for a pair of flip flops!!!! Winner! I paid, just £6 in total for my new bikini, alongside a cute new beach bag, sunglasses & a lovely kaftan! Totally £28, I promise you won't be disappointed!
Not only do Primark have a great Summer range, their fitness range is also a favourite of mine! Don't get me wrong, I love my Nike running shoes & their sports bras are second to none, but when it comes to pants & tops - Primarny is a good place to go! Just £6 for a pair of dry-fit gym pants with a zip at the back to store your phone whilst you squat is my idea of perfect! (sad I know, but gym gear is another guilty pleasure of mine..)
If you look good, you feel good & you feel ready! So now you're geared up for the weather & the workout, time to begin!
Motivation is key for me. Find something that you're working towards, whether that's more reps, a certain image, distance. Whatever it is, set a goal and strive for that.
Spending Bank Holiday in Notts, I missed my weekly Saturday morning run with my cousin Lauren *sad face* but we motivated each other to get up & do something, and although I'm sad I missed out she smashed a good 3km run with her sister Rach! Proud of you cuz! (to both of you - I'm looking forward to a good 5km when I'm home for Summer!)
I also haven't hit the gym as much this week as I've been quite busy with work, uni etc. (student life and all, you know..) but don't forget in my last post, there's so much you can still do at home! So a quick abs blast before breakie Saturday & Sunday morn really set me up for the day & I can feel the burn! (Different workouts again - more effective than the same old same old..) Remember! You don't have to spend hours training, increase intensity like HIIT training can be much more effective - physically & time wise!
Allow for fun!
Bank Holiday is everyone's excuse to get drunk, have a good time & enjoy time away from work! This weekend I've tried loads of different cocktail bars (so many good ones in Notts - see my previous blog post!) and really indulged - I have no will power (sometimes) and mini cakes at Forest on Saturday were definitely getting a yes from me!
If your Bank Holiday has been as food & booze filled as mine, don't worry! Begin again tomorrow, and you don't even have that Monday morning feeling! Motivate yourself, plan your meals, change your workouts & set your goals.
I'm going to try & put up some of my top tips for food & workouts tomorrow, so watch out for some health & fitness tips that I've picked up along the way from training, friends & online inspo!
Enjoy the rest of your Bank Hol! Thanks for reading! X
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