Day 8 > Rainbow.
I've noticed that although I am managing to post a picture a day of something that makes me smile some days I don't notice it until late at night but today it was first thing.
This rainbow hit me between the eyes on my way to the train station and the picture doesn't do it justice as it was a lot brighter but it definitely made me smile and reminded me that sometimes we have to put up with a little rain before we find something beautiful.
I think rainbows have a slightly magical feel to them and I can't help but think of them as a sign that it's going to be a good day.
Day 7 > Game of Thrones Series 4.
Apologies for the image quality but I took a picture of the moving intro of Game of Thrones on my phone for this post.
I am so excited for the start of this series as I've watched the previous 3 series twice. I can't wait to see what happens as there are always twists and plots that you don't see coming.
Day 6 > My leopard creepers.
I am a sucker for a leopard print and don't wear these enough. I'm always a bit self conscious before I put them on but as soon as I do I feel like a grrrl with attitude, a badass rockabilly chick that can take on the world.
I love how a piece of clothing or make up can totally change your mood and presents a little bit of your personality to the world.
Life's a catwalk!
Day 5 > Saturday Pamper.
My mum and I decided to treat ourselves to some facials and a bit of lunch after. It was great catching up and a great reminder to make time for yourself and your loved ones.
Day 4 > Spring flowers.
There's nothing like a bunch of fresh red tulips to brighten up your day.
Day 3 > Bubble Bath.
I had my 2nd Insanity fitness class today and although I'm loving it, it is not getting any easier.
A big bubble bath and some scented candles were exactly what I needed.
Day 2 > Brand new Tank Girl graphic novel announced
I am beyond geeking about the fact that the creators of Tank Girl, that include the amazing illustrator Jamie Hewllet of Gorillaz, are creating a brand new graphic novel!!!
I love it even more as it is totally funded by a kickstarter fund which I contributed to so feel like I had a part to play in it's creation oh yeah and I receive a signed copy of the 100 page A4 book when its released at the end of April!!!!
Happy? I'm bloody ecstatic!
Day 1 > Fave retro movie date.
kahuna burgers / 5 doller shakes / preacher man / pulp fiction / my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die / as you wish / Princess Bride / Kelly Le brock / movie date / sloans / he doesn't even have a license Lisa / Weird Science / we got one / stay puff man / slimer / Ghostbusters
So it's the 1st of April tomorrow and I've been thinking about what this months goal will be.
I had heard of the 100 Days of Happy Challenge that was popping up on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as my friend is now on Day 52 but I noticed it the other day and I thought it would be a perfect goal to achieve.
I will be mostly using Instagram and you can follow me to keep up to date with how I'm doing but don't worry I'll be posting on here too.
As well as the #100Days I will also be taking part in an AB-pril Fitness Challenge that my local fitness trainer has posted on Facebook . She's so motivating and you can also find access to diet tips, exercise routines and YouTube videos to follow. You should definitely check it out.
What's your goals for April?
My goals in January and February focused on creating a more positive mind and spirit so I decided that I would work on a healthier body in March.
I didn't want to go on a diet, I wanted to instil a truly healthier lifestyle as I had recently been diagnosed with an intolerance to sugar. This isn't very inconvenient as, when you start reading your food labels you discover that, sugar is in EVERYTHING!!!
It doubly sucks as I am a cheesecake fiend so I pretty much had to say bye bye to all my sweet treats.
The main reason for doing this was I had begun to notice that after about 6 weeks of "clean eating" I got sick of making good food choices, I just didn't want to think about it and eat all the "good" stuff I couldn't, so I binged and then totally regretted it for the week after. I felt bad physically and emotionally, major guiltfest.
The second time this happened I knew that this wasn't a healthy way to live either and I decided to make some changes.
I was the most serious I've ever been about working towards a healthier lifestyle and after a bit of research (Google, what did we do before Google?!) I found the Whole30 program.
It's a free, healthy eating program that you follow for 30 days, the main rules are:
- No sugar
- No alcohol
- No dairy
- No grains
- No snacks
- 3 meals a day
It's a variation of the Paleo diet where you eat "real" food which helps you sort of "reset" your body and get rid of all the bad habits you've picked up.
I tried not to focus on what I couldn't have and looked at what I could have; every meal is built up around a portion of protein; beef, seafood, chicken, pork or eggs with as much specified vegetables as you like.
I also read the book "It starts with food" which was a great support tool as it breaks down food choices into 4 categories or questions you should ask before you eat it;
- does it promote a healthy psychological response
- does it promote a healthy hormonal response
- does it support a healthy gut
- does it support a healthy immune system.
I always need to know the "why" before I do something and then I can get fully behind it because I know the reasoning behind it and understand it better.
It was a great challenge, especially as I am not a great lover of vegetables or salads but I found my tastes changing and choosing salad as a meal, this is a big step for me.
It was a lot of work to plan your meals and cook them all from scratch but it was definitely worth it as it felt more like an investment in yourself rather than a chore.
I completed the 30 days and I feel the best I've ever felt: mentally and physically.
I also feel that I've made lifelong changes to my attitude and relationship with food that I'll carry on.
if you want to make a change to your lifestyle I can't recommend this program enough! Seriously if I can do it, anyone can!
