Monday, 11 May 2015

Nourish to Flourish - Week 1 Update!

This week 3 of us commenced our Nourish to Flourish Journey.

When you chose to change your lifestyle - it takes energy.  It is harder to change than it is to stay the same.  FACT!  I have observed many people who live in discomfort and pain, yet their ability to change is not there as they feel it is just not possible.  

For the first few weeks of working with a new client I try to keep things simple.  There is undoubtedly a lot to think about and I don't wan to overwhelm them so I make sure that I never add anything beyond their ability.

So this week we all concentrate on our own specific diet sheets.  These sheets gave us a list of foods we could and shouldn't eat, in order to gain optimal health.  For every meal we must have all the major food groups - Carbohydrate, Protein and Fat.  It is the ratios of these macronutrients that we need to get right in order to make us feel better.  Additionally, since we all metabolise food in a different way, we needed to pay attention to the particular forms of Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats within our diet.  For example, if I were to eat  a chicken fillet at lunch time I would be looking for something to eat about 2 hrs later.  Natasha could eat chicken fillet for lunch and be satisfied until dinner.

I cannot emphasis enough - EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT.

So how did we all get on adapting to our new food changes.

My verdict of this week - being a High Fat/High Protein type metaboliser I have loved being back in the flow of analysing my feelings with food.  I got a real buzz from not deviating off my food plan as I end up being drained of energy if I do.  This week for me has shown that I really have to stay away from the dairy and keep up my good meats and fats.  Loved it.  I have slept well and had a clearer mind.

My goal for next week - COME OFF THE COFFEE COMPLETELY! I'm not saying it is bad for YOU, I'm saying I know I do better without it.  Coffee is similar to the way sugar effects the body.  It triggers an insulin response within the body and makes it work mega hard to combat it.  So, I reckon I will be a bit tired at the start of the week.  I have recently found Dandelion Coffee and Barley Rye - both of which you can use as a substitute hot drink, natural and with no caffeine.  So this is what I shall have instead.  Another step closer to a refreshing me!

Now for the other girls!

Aileen -  Aileen was pleases that she didn't suffer from the hunger pangs she was dreading and actually found it quite empowering knowing that she was nourishing her body rather than depriving it of sweet treats!  She found breakfast and lunch easy to adjust too but is struggling a bit more with dinner as she eats at the same time as her children, who obviously only ever want carbs!  To combat this she is substituting her usual pasta/potatoes for quinoa or extra spinach.  Aileen still needs to eat regularly though and has admitted that she is a bit more stumped when it comes to quick, nutritional snacks - they always seem to take that bit more effort to make!  So next week she aims to keep on track with her main meals and do a bit more research on how to make tasty filling snacks!  I'm sure she will share any fantastic recipes with us!


Natasha - This week Natasha has felt she had more energy, slept better and felt less bloated.  Her diet needed to be tweaked mid week as she felt she was eating the same things to try and stick with the diet sheet. Her goals for the next seven days are to stick with the foods on the diet sheet as Natasha is a Mixed type, which means its important for her to get her food combinations right as well as her macronutrient ratios (protein, carb and fat).  She loves to cook and what was on her diet plan was no different to what she would normally eat it was just getting the combinations right.  Having spoken with her last night, she may well be experiencing a detox - with an upset stomach.  This is the body's way of eliminating toxins.  This can also have the symptoms of sore heads, flu like feeling, bad breath or body odour or sometimes even sickness.  However this process usually is short lived.  Another step closer to a cleaner healthier you!

Sam xxx

Sunday, 3 May 2015

Nourish to Flourish Nerves

Tomorrow sees the start of our Nourish to Flourish challenge and I am beginning to feel the nerves!

My attitude to exercise and nutrition growing up was "I can eat that slice of chocolate cake because I have just been for a run".

WRONG!  

I now know that you can't out exercise a bad diet but I would be lying to you if I told you I had perfect eating habits (I just can't shake my sweet tooth!).

So this challenge is just what I need to kick start my new approach to food and to start to really nourish MY body.  I am delighted to be starting this nutritional journey with Sam, Natasha and Suzy but I am scared!

I'm scared because:

  1. My Metabolic Type suggests foods that I have never heard of!
  2. How am I going to copy when hunger strikes!
  3. I am going camping with my family this weekend (surely that means eating toasted marshmallows).
  4. It's my husband's birthday this week (arrgh I will be faced with cake and booze).


Life is real though!

I know that this week is going to be about "eating less wrong and more right" as Sam has told me. 

So my aim for the first week is:

  1. Increase water consumption (a proven tactic to help deal with hunger pangs).
  2. Decrease the amount of carbs I eat - and to make sure the ones I do eat are the correct type for me.
  3. Include protein in all my meals.


Fitness wise I'm not so nervous as I know that I need to focus more on my core to increase both my strength and function.

These exercises will concentrate on going back to basics and working the body from the inside out - look at them as the foundations of a building.

I also hope to do at least one session that involves more resistance training - i.e weights!!!!

So there you have it folks!

I'll keep you posted!



Tuesday, 28 April 2015

And the winners are...

The moment you have all been waiting for.

The lucky winners for out Nourish to Flourish competition are:

Suzy Sutherland

and

Natasha Campbell


Sam and I will be in touch with both of you ASAP to get everything organised before we start our challenge on Monday 4th May!!!

Everyone will be able to follow our progress over the next 4 weeks.

Aileen xxx

Monday, 20 April 2015

Competition Time - Nourish to Flourish



Here at Ladies, Lunch and Lunges we like to practice what we preach!



Therefore, Aileen and I have decided to undertake a four-week spring health and fitness challenge - Nourish to Flourish - and invite two of our wonderful followers to join us on this journey.  

Not only is this a fantastic opportunity for the chosen two readers to improve their own health and well being but, as Aileen and I will be regularly updating the blog during this time, everyone will be able to keep abreast of the highs and lows such a challenge will inevitably provide!  

This is because we want to keep it REAL!  We both have busy jobs and young families - so we want to show you that it's not all a bed of roses for us health and fitness "experts" either!

So what's in it for you?

You will each receive a personalised nutrition and fitness plan based on initial consultations with us.

Nutrition:

You will have your Metabolic Typing analysis done by me once you have filled in an online questionnaire.  Results are usually returned within 24hrs.  

From this I will be able to identify your eating ratios of fats, carbohydrate and protein and give you a food chart with a clear list of foods to eat - and those to avoid!  I will also assist the you with the planning of your weeks food.  

"But what about the rest of the family"? I hear you say! 
They too can enjoy the whole food diet you are about to embark on even though they haven't been metabolically typed, as any whole food change is a good change and they can support you through this.

 
Well being:

You will also be provided with a health and well being journal that will need to be filled in on a weekly basis.  It is through this that we shall document your progress.  

In addition you will also have weekly consultations with me via Skype so that you are given the support and guidance needed throughout this time. 
Fitness:

Aileen will have an initial consultation call/Skype with you where you will decided on your aims and goals during this challenge.

From this discussion she will write you an individual training plan - based on your exercise preferences/ability and facilities available - in order for you to get the best from this challenge.

Aileen will also have weekly consultations with you via Skype in order to provide you with the support and advice you need as well as keeping you motivated!




If this sound like the type of challenge for you - get in touch!!!  All you need to do is post below in the comments box with the phrase "I'm in" by midnight on Monday 27th April in order to be entered in the competition.

Two names will be chosen at random on Tuesday 28th April - with the 4 week challenge starting on Monday 4th May.

Good luck!






Thursday, 9 April 2015

So how did you get on?

Right my little Easter Bunnies, how did you get on with the Burpee Challenge?

I found that any more than 30 in one go saw me compromising my form!

Sam and I would like to say a massive well done to those of you who took part - and please feel free to share your experiences in the comments box below!

Everyone who comments will be in with a chance to win our gorgeous chocolate bunny too - so what are you waiting for....

We are also working on another challenge too - detail to follow soon!



Joanne Scott you are our winner of the Easter Bunny! well done. It's in the post


Thursday, 2 April 2015

Have you started yet?

Morning Folks!

Hope you are fully embracing your inner Easter Bunny and are taking part in our burpee challenge.

How are you getting on?

What number do you get to before the burn really starts?

Remember, it is really important that you do them correctly rather than rush them!

We would really love to hear from you!

Aileen xxx


Wednesday, 1 April 2015

Easter Bunny Burpee Challenge!

The humble rabbit is an awesome athlete!  It moves at high speed with great power and grace!  Ultimately it is born to leap!  That is why I want you to embrace your inner "Easter Bunny" to take part in our burpee challenge!

What is a burpee?  

For those of your who aren't sure what a burpee is, have a look at this short video clip which includes variations dependent on you fitness level:



Did you know that one burpee roughly burns one calorie?

Not very much is it - bearing in mind that the average child will consume about 8000 calories in chocolate over the Easter period!

So, my challenge to you is to try and cancel out some of this overindulgence by taking part in the Easter Bunny Burpee Challenge!

The Challenge

Day 1 - 10 burpees

Day 2 - 20 burpees

Day 3 - 30 burpees

Day 4 - 40 burpees

Day 5 - 50 burpees

The rules

The challenge must be completed by Friday 10th April.
The challenge must be done over 5 consecutive days.
Burpees do not need to be performed in one go i.e do groups of 5 at a time etc.

Doesn't sound too bad, does it?  And as an added incentive for those of you who want to take part and leave a wee comment at the bottom of this post,  a participant will be chosen at random to win this bad boy! (only 1358 burpees required to burn him off!!!) Hehe!!!




Aileen x