As a plus-sized girl in her early 30’s it would be naive to ignore my own family health history and the physical changes I feel in my body. I can’t ignore issues like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. My father passed away from a heart attack so I know that these diseases are very real.

Everyone who’s met me knows that I’ve always been happy with my size and self-image, but losing 30-70lb (about 3 – 6 Stone) to avoid medical issues and live a more active life seems well worth it to me. I accept that it is going to be a lot of work but I’m excited for the challenge.

In the spirit of the Olympics, as I’m also currently based in London, I need to ‘GET FIT’ and with the help of Nuffield Health (www.nuffieldhealth.com/fitness-and-wellbeing) and my Fuji 150XP camera (water proof and extremely durable, perfect for my Aqua Classes!!), I will be doing a this blog series recording my physical progress and commenting on the products fitness events that I love and will be using or wearing.

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Winy and I were given the opportunity to test drive Rose Reisman’s Personal Gourmet food delivery service a couple of weeks ago.  I opted for the breakfast, lunch and snack option, while Winy did the breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Although there was an option for both weight loss and healthy living we both opted for the weight loss option.  When in Rome….

Rose Reisman is a registered Nutritional Consultant, has written 17 cookbooks and in 2004 created The Art of Eating Well.  Personal Gourmet is an extension of all of her teachings, a way to make it simple for people to eat balanced, healthy meals by delivering them right to your doorstep.  All of the meals are chemical and preservative free, with an option for gluten free as well.

Below are our experiences:
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This beautiful weather has me inwardly screaming with shame, given the fact that I tossed my New Years resolutions a month and a half ago and am now realizing I can’t continue to cloak all of my ‘winter weight’ in voluminous sweaters and leggings.   GAH!  What’s a girl to do?  Certainly not complain about the gorgeous sunshine!  Nope, a girl is to get her lazy butt in gear and get back in the saddle.

Thankfully, I was recently introduced to ReeBok CrossFit and if anything is going to shock your body back into shape, this is it!

We did a twelve minute workout, and although I workout everyday – I almost died (in a good way).  The workout consisted of an all out, give-it-all-you-got series of three exercises which we had to repeat until time was up.  Because CrossFit is based on healthy competition and encouragement, I was gung-ho to get through as many repetitions as I could which resulted in me leaving feeling physically spent but mentally euphoric – all in a measly TWELVE minutes!  I think I can get used to that!

Oh, and these cuties were our trainers.  *encouragement*

CrossFit uses a ‘cross section’ of techniques from gymnastics, weightlifting and high intensity cardio to create a perfectly balanced workout that stimulates your muscles and mind.

If you remember me looking for fun and interesting ways to keep workouts fresh, CrossFit makes it easy by ensuring that no two workouts are the same.

I think I just might sign up.  Anyone want to join?

I left feeling like a Ninja Triathlete.  Now to keep going so I actually look like one.  Not sure what one would look like, but I’m assuming totally fit and light-footed

xo,

I’m all for the feeling you get after a workout, it’s the ‘getting there’ that can be beyond tedious.  As soon as I start to dread working out more that usual, I employ what I like to call, The Switch Up.  Simply put, I try something new or something I haven’t done in a while to make what I’ve done for a while more appealing.

Last week Lissa dragged me (pretty much kicking and screaming) to a Socasize class at Flirty Girl Fitness and five minutes in I was smiling ear to ear.  When I left the class I had the highest endorphin high I have ever had!  And I don’t even like Soca music!

Here are some workouts that I’ve tried and have been just the thing to get me out of my workout rut.

Socasize – total convert.  I forgot how fun dancing can be, and how amazing it is for your body.

Ballet Boot Camp - you barely use weights, but the positions that you use in this class workout muscles I had no idea I even had.

Spinning – Winy and I recently did a disco themed ride at Quad and we LOVED it! If you’re ever in NYC or LA SoulCycle will change your life

Gravity - another workout where you use different muscles than you usually do.  After this class you feel long and lean.

Hot Yoga - yoga is amazing for not only your body, but also your mind.  Hot yoga amps up the intensity and also allows your body to sweat out those toxins.

Hourglass Bootcamp  - you know how I feel about this workout.  I swear by it.  Sign up for a month and you’ll hate me just as much as you love me.  So good.

If you’re bored with your current workout routine (or don’t have one at all) I highly recommend checking out one of the above classes or whatever class in your city that’s being offered somewhere that you don’t go often.  Not only is it an amazing way to kickstart a new routine, but it’s a great way to meet and connect with new people!

xo,

I was first introduced to Joey Shulman 5 years ago by my good friend, Moe. At that time, I was in desperate need of direction in terms of my nutrition and I needed someone who could sort of re-teach me the basics of a healthy, normal diet.

Fast-forward 5 years and now, Joey is the owner of her own weight loss clinic, she is a regular media personality on City-TV and the author of a few bestselling books.  In her latest The Metabolism Boosting Diet, Joey shares her secrets on how to finally lose weight for life.

Watch out for our upcoming contest with Joey where you’ll get a chance to win her new book!

Bisous, Winy

Interview with Joey Shulman  DC, registered nutritionist

• Why is your metabolism so important?

Your metabolism is your “engine” that helps utilize your food efficiently as fuel. If your metabolic engine slows (due to stress, fatigue, faulty dietary patterns, lack of activity, age, yo yo dieting, etc.) chances are, you will likely gain weight in unwanted areas. The good news is – your metabolism is flexible and can be changed at any age.

• Joey, I’ve yo-yo’ed all my life, why is it harder for some people to lose weight and keep it off?

Weight loss takes the proper information and implementation. A lot of people tend to yo yo diet because emotions and food are related. For example, stressed, tired, bored, lonely – we eat! I am an emotional eater myself – but I know the ‘rules of the game” if you will. I also know that weight loss is much more than a game of mathematics – it is not just about counting calories. Timing of food, quality of food – it all matters.

• Is it true that some of us have slower metabolisms then others? Do women have a slower metabolism than men?

Yes – we do not all have the same metabolism – some are indeed faster than others. But…we do all have the capacity to speed up our metabolism.

• What are some of the ways you can boost your metabolism?

Read my book (hee hee – just kidding  – but it is true!). if you want to boost your metabolism – the best “pointers I can give you are:  only eat one selection of grain per day (make it prior to 3pm), drink 2 litres of water per day, watch your alcohol intake (I am not an advocate of daily drinking), eat a good amount of healthy fats in the form of oils and nuts and work out!

• Do b12 shots really help you lose weight?

No – there is no valid research on this.

• How long after working out is your metabolism boosted?

It is not a matter of time really – everyone differs. But lifting heavier weights than you are used to certainly does help to boost your metabolism.

• Does your metabolism slow down as you age?

It does – and we have to shift with our metabolism to avoid weight gain. However, the middle aged spread does not have to happen. I am a big advocate of eating in hormonal/blood sugar balance to lose the weight at any age. I f you sign up to www.drjoey.com  – you will receive a free 7 day metabolic boosting meal plan so you can see what I am referring to.

• What are the top 10 metabolism boosting foods that will increase someone’s metabolism and help them lose weight?

Metabolic boosting foods include green tea, spices, and of course all protein sources such as eggs, fish, tuna, chicken, yogurt. Healthy fats such as monounsaturated and omega 3  fats – nuts, seeds, oils, avocados – have also been shown to be helpful with weight reduction.