Thursday 27 August 2015

Review: INNER ME 28 day Gut Cleanse




So after having stomach problems for such a long time with little improvement I started researching what I can do, after coming across the inner me page I decided that the gut cleanse would be worthwhile for me trying. If you want more information is this is the right step for you click here

The cleanse consists of 4 weeks of cutting out and reintroducing food that are problematic such as gluten and dairy. There are also limits on different foods such as one portion of brown rice of quinoa a day and only one portion of greek yoghurt. Oddly there is also limits of fruits and you can only have berries and citrus fruits, but that didn't feel limited to me. You also take a digestive enzymes and probiotic with breakfast a fish oil supplement with lunch and a vitamin D supplement with dinner. Although I forgot a lot of the vitamin D supplements, I didn't struggle going from none to that many supplements. I also didn't find the meals too restrictive but I did have to include snacks as well as if I don't eat reguarly I am a massive grump. The other part of the detox which was really easy to include was having a peppermint tea within 30 minutes of a meal, this was great for whenever I eat out and really helps settle my stomach after a meal.

But there have been marked improvement in some areas from doing the detox which I want to go into more detail about:

Skin

Here is a benefit that I completely didn't expect, my skin massively improved. Apart from a few hormonal stress spots to my face I have a big improvement to the usual spots that I get on my chest and across my back. I'm not sure if its down to a reduction of dairy products or cutting down on sugar by no longer having processed food. I am going to try and continue with both and see if I can work out which is causing the spots because I will happily avoid if it gives me the confidence I have from having clearer skin.



Bloat

I've included this photo about how my stomach has shrunk, although I clearly do still have my beloved belly. The first photo was a morning shot and the second at the end was taken at the end of the day. Before I tried this detox I was spending my afternoon unbuttoning my top button of trousers and generally feeling uncomfortable around my stomach. I don't feel uncomfortable anymore and I can wear the same pair of jeans all day long without having to unbutton trousers. I also haven't had any stomach cramps after eating which have been plaguing me for months.


I paid for this cleanse out of my own money and would happily do so again if I needed it. I would encourage everyone to visit a doctor and make sure your digestion troubles are not linked to a more serious medical condition.

Thursday 20 August 2015

High End Workout Buys

High end workout buys


Well as my budget workout was so popular that I thought I would do a bit more imaginary workout shopping. Trying to save for the future makes my desire to blow all my money on an really awesome workout wardrobe!

How amazing are these trainers? I absolutely love the Mary Katrantzou/Adidas line and I love these turquoise palm and tropical print.
I'm also loving this vintage style nike jumper-perfect to throw on over my gym kit on my way home from a workout-although not technically high end this jumper is still currently out of my budget.
The leopard print rucksack is another adidas delight-this time design by Stella McCartney. I think the monochrome would work well with most outfits.
The sports bra is from Lorna Jane- I've been told that their sports bras are supportive and give ladies a nice little bit of padding to give a more feminine figure.
Below I've selected this yoga top from Sweaty Betty-I love their quality of sportswear and this colour is lovely.
Finally these Lucas Hugh tights have the most amazing print-at £270 they are most definitely high end and only in my wardrobe if I win the lottery but really a girl can dream.

What would be in your dream wardrobe? Do you prefer high end of budget to update your outfits?

Tuesday 18 August 2015

I think I found my mojo...for the time being!



Hello, fortnightly updates were not working for me so I've decided to update you weekly on my training. As usual my blog post is later then intended, but one day soon I will improve my scheduling.

Well, I think I found my mojo-by that I mean I had 2 runs this week where I didn't feel like a failure and that was great for me! So here's how I got on this week...

Tuesday-upper body kettlebell workout. As I enjoy my kettlebells so much I've decided to be more structured and split my workout into upper & lower body. This 30 minute session included plank pull ups, floor to shoulder pulls and a kettlebell hold. Sweaty but satisfying. 
Wednesday- I did my first ever 'runch' as in running in my lunch time. As I only have 30minutes I was worried for time but I came in early to give me longer and managed a good run round my local park. 
Thursday lower body kettlebell session-this included goblet squats, weighted lunges and wall sits. I felt this the next day  when going to the toilet. 
Saturday- I ran 9 miles! No tears, no complaints! I had an audiobook and my water pack, got it done and felt proud. My double marathon at the end of September is seeming more achievable after a successful long run, but we will wait and see

How is your training going? Are you training for an autum race or just working out?

Wednesday 12 August 2015

Budget Workout Wardrobe Update

Budget Workout Wardrobe Update
Have you heard the well used phrase of to find your motivation you should treat yourself to new workout gear? Well I think this is constantly on my mind as I am constantly looking at workout clothes and as I am trying to be better with money I thought I would show you my picks of the best budget clothes. With fitness being so fashionable the high street has some amazing pieces around. Here what I would choose if my wardrobe wasn't bursting: (L-R)

1. This misguided vest looks so cute. I love the detailing on the back and think it would look amazing through a heavy weight session. I love the fit and the colour-a great top I think.

2. I love this purple new look top, it reminds me of a dupe for the lovely Lorna Jane vests that I see all over instagram. Who doesn't want motivation on their chest in the gym?

3. I think this H&M bag would be the perfect size to fit all my gym essentials and has a nice neutral shade to go with all the bright workout outfit I have.

4. I have these leggings in two different prints and they are simply the best fit, no elastic needed but a nice snug fit so I can run in. I can also vouch that after quite a few washes they still pass the squat test which is crucial for leggings.

5. Another well used part of my workout wardrobe. I adore this bra-I generally use it for HIIT workouts where I need a lot of support and like how comfortable and well supported my chest is in this bra.



Missguided activewear
£13 - missguidedus.com



Purple Believe Achieve Sports Vest
newlook.com




What are you workout recommendations? Are you a budget or high end clothes shopper?

Tuesday 11 August 2015

Getting back on the horse! Training update



Okay confession time- I stayed lazy and continued to not run last week when I probably should have done. I could have forced myself but my heart is not in running at the moment. I enjoy running when I do it...but getting out of the door seems to be very difficult.

  • Last weeks exercise consisted of 1 x 20 minute HIIT kettlebell session - I'm having the right motivation to do HIIT at the moment- maybe dreams of bikini bodies.
  • Unfortunately no running until the weekend- Saturday morning I managed to attend Lululemon's Hyde Park outdoor yoga. It was lovely and warm and although I struggled with the downward facing dog I enjoyed the class and having a good stretch. I then went to an amazing talk about nutrition with a complimentary green juice and goody bag. This was my first special Lululemon's events and it won't be my last-its amazing.
  • Then in the afternoon I ran a very slow 7 miles along the canal path-it seemed a lot of hard work. 
This week much of the same story-my diet has been generally good, better then it has been in weeks and my skin is a lot clearer (but more on that in another post) On the Saturday night i feel over and drunkenly hurt my wrist which meant no kettlebells and push ups (boo hiss)
  • On Wednesday my boyfriend got enough of me feeling sorry for myself and forced me to run. Running 3.5 miles to his pace gave me a 10.52 minute per mile average pace. Yey! Go someone else's pace
  • On Saturday I tried to run 8 miles. It was hot & my stomach was playing up. I couldn't find my running mojo and cut the run short at 5 miles. 
How has your training been? Any advice to kick me out of the front door and actually to run?