Well that's it! I reached the end of my challenge!
Well, it's not the end really, it's the beginning of the rest of my life. It has set me up to carry on as it now feels like a normal way of eating for me.
My biggest challenge now is allowing myself a 'little' of what I fancy without it getting out of control now none of you are watching, so to speak!
I would definitely recommend trying it. You may not achieve it 100% the first time you try but that's ok. You will definitely be better off for replacing some old habits with healthy new ones. Then the more often you try a clean 30 days eating, the more it just feels like you're not actually doing anything but eating normally.
You also feel the benefits of how eating real, natural and wholesome food makes you feel, so you actually want less stodgy and processed junk because you know it won't make you feel good. You can realise this when you re-introduce foods at the end.
So how did I get on?
Results after 30 days:
9st 1.4lbs (was 9st 6lbs - 5.6lbs less)
Not the 7lbs I'd aimed for but close, and am really happy with that.
Waist 28" (was 29" - 1" less) - achieved what I wanted!
Umbillicus 33" (was 34" - 1" less) - 1" less than planned but a good start!
A re-cap on what I GAINED from doing this...
- A normal healthy eating lifestyle
- Total control over food and not food controlling me
- Better energy levels and concentration
- A strong immune system to ward off illness
- The ability to say no and feel empowered when offered foods that are not so good!
Want to have a go yourself?
If you are interested in joining in with my next clean 30 days, which will probably be for November (feel great before the Christmas party season!), then sign up for free to my online community to be kept informed and share your experiences with my other members. Of course you can start anytime you wish and I will be there to support you all the way.
http://www.EmmaBFitness.ning.com
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Monday, 29 August 2011
Week 4 - day 30
Day 30
My last food diary for you!
- Banana
- Muesli and natural yoghurt with nectarine and raspberries
- Peanuts
- Rachel's yoghurt
I'd been thinking that I'd eaten far too much rye bread and fish over the last week, so needed to do something different. So I had...
- 2x rye bread with tuna in extra virgin olive oil, red onion and sliced tomato
...doh!
I think it's due to the weather getting colder and me craving something more stodgy. Am also feeling like I need more sweet things, hence...
- 2 meringues!
I have bought the ingredients for a hearty chicken broth, so will make that tomorrow. Will be lovely and warming.
- Ginseng herbal tea
I hadn't planned for dinner properly and need to go shopping so had an easy, but still healthy meal instead. I also don't get in till 9pm on Tuesdays so needed to be relatively small.
- 2x boiled eggs and sugar snap peas, 4 strawberries
- Tulsi tea
My last food diary for you!
- Banana
- Muesli and natural yoghurt with nectarine and raspberries
- Peanuts
- Rachel's yoghurt
I'd been thinking that I'd eaten far too much rye bread and fish over the last week, so needed to do something different. So I had...
- 2x rye bread with tuna in extra virgin olive oil, red onion and sliced tomato
...doh!
I think it's due to the weather getting colder and me craving something more stodgy. Am also feeling like I need more sweet things, hence...
- 2 meringues!
I have bought the ingredients for a hearty chicken broth, so will make that tomorrow. Will be lovely and warming.
- Ginseng herbal tea
I hadn't planned for dinner properly and need to go shopping so had an easy, but still healthy meal instead. I also don't get in till 9pm on Tuesdays so needed to be relatively small.
- 2x boiled eggs and sugar snap peas, 4 strawberries
- Tulsi tea
Week 4 - day 29
Day 29
- Strawberries, nectarine, cherries, natural yoghurt and toasted seeds
- Peanuts
- 2x rye bread with pilchards in tomato sauce, lettuce, mung bean sprouts, and a little smoked salmon that I needed to use up
- 2 meringues! - maybe it was the sugar in the Eton mess last night that had me craving something sweet again
- Pukka rooibos tea
Not sure whether it was the hectic last couple of weeks I'd just had, or the meringues, but my energy levels went down in the afternoon and just felt tired and very unmotivated and just felt like eating. Whether had changed too so was cold, which may have been why too. No sunshine :-(
- 2x soft boiled eggs and sugar snap peas
- Tick Tock green tea
- Dinner will be grilled steak and veg of some kind. Will post later
- Strawberries, nectarine, cherries, natural yoghurt and toasted seeds
- Peanuts
- 2x rye bread with pilchards in tomato sauce, lettuce, mung bean sprouts, and a little smoked salmon that I needed to use up
- 2 meringues! - maybe it was the sugar in the Eton mess last night that had me craving something sweet again
- Pukka rooibos tea
Not sure whether it was the hectic last couple of weeks I'd just had, or the meringues, but my energy levels went down in the afternoon and just felt tired and very unmotivated and just felt like eating. Whether had changed too so was cold, which may have been why too. No sunshine :-(
- 2x soft boiled eggs and sugar snap peas
- Tick Tock green tea
- Dinner will be grilled steak and veg of some kind. Will post later
Week 4 - day 28
Day 28
- Porridge with chopped dried apricots and toasted seeds
- Peach and a Rachel's yoghurt
- Peanuts
- Slice rye bread with hummus and tomato
My sister and boyfriend were round for dinner so did end up having a little pud. Decided that from now I would try and only have a little of what I fancied on social occasions.
- Chicken casserole with small baked potato and organic butter
- Eton mess! - strawberries, raspberries, meringue and double whipped cream
- Peanuts, Tulsi tea
- Porridge with chopped dried apricots and toasted seeds
- Peach and a Rachel's yoghurt
- Peanuts
- Slice rye bread with hummus and tomato
My sister and boyfriend were round for dinner so did end up having a little pud. Decided that from now I would try and only have a little of what I fancied on social occasions.
- Chicken casserole with small baked potato and organic butter
- Eton mess! - strawberries, raspberries, meringue and double whipped cream
- Peanuts, Tulsi tea
Week 4 - day 27
Day 27
- Apple, banana, natural yoghurt and toasted seeds
- Cherries
- Sugar snap peas and hummus
- 2x slices rye bread with butter, mackerel, red onion and tomato
- 3x dried apricots
- Baked plaice fillet in olive oil, lemon juice and basil with steamed broccolli and green beans in a little organic butter
- Apple, banana, natural yoghurt and toasted seeds
- Cherries
- Sugar snap peas and hummus
- 2x slices rye bread with butter, mackerel, red onion and tomato
- 3x dried apricots
- Baked plaice fillet in olive oil, lemon juice and basil with steamed broccolli and green beans in a little organic butter
Friday, 26 August 2011
Week 4 - day 26
Day 26
- Peach, banana and coconut milk smoothie with milled seeds and green supplement - Kept me going for a good 3.5-4 hours.
- Smoked salmon and avocado salad
Either there wasn't enough protein in this meal, or it was because I was feeling really tired, but felt like I needed something sweet.
- 3 dried apricots, Tick Tock green tea
- Mum's home-made jam tart - Still felt like I wanted something so had a slice. And although it contained wheat and sugar, it was all home-made, even the jam!
- 2 x boiled eggs with prawns and sugar snap peas
- Farmer's market beef burger with steamed brocolli, green beans and a few home-made chips
- Peach, banana and coconut milk smoothie with milled seeds and green supplement - Kept me going for a good 3.5-4 hours.
- Smoked salmon and avocado salad
Either there wasn't enough protein in this meal, or it was because I was feeling really tired, but felt like I needed something sweet.
- 3 dried apricots, Tick Tock green tea
- Mum's home-made jam tart - Still felt like I wanted something so had a slice. And although it contained wheat and sugar, it was all home-made, even the jam!
- 2 x boiled eggs with prawns and sugar snap peas
- Farmer's market beef burger with steamed brocolli, green beans and a few home-made chips
Week 4 - day 25
Day 25
Now I've been doing this for more than 21 days, it just feels like a normal routine for me. Eat, take a photo and post it up!
- Apple - on way to 6.30am client
- Muesli in natural yoghurt (soaked overnight) - at the gym inbetween clients
- 2 x oat cookies - need to finish up the last few!
- Tuna and butter bean salad with avocado
- 2 x oat cookies - all gone now!
- Chicken breast, roast potatoes, peas, courgette, carrots and gravy - small dinner as I don't eat till about 9ish on a Thursday and want to get to bed at a reasonable time without being stuffed. Plate in this pic is smaller than normal.
Now I've been doing this for more than 21 days, it just feels like a normal routine for me. Eat, take a photo and post it up!
- Apple - on way to 6.30am client
- Muesli in natural yoghurt (soaked overnight) - at the gym inbetween clients
- 2 x oat cookies - need to finish up the last few!
- Tuna and butter bean salad with avocado
- 2 x oat cookies - all gone now!
- Chicken breast, roast potatoes, peas, courgette, carrots and gravy - small dinner as I don't eat till about 9ish on a Thursday and want to get to bed at a reasonable time without being stuffed. Plate in this pic is smaller than normal.
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Week 4 - day 24
Day 24
- 2x rye toast with pilchards in tomato sauce, lettuce in olive oil and toasted seeds - yummy, and definitely will keep me satisfied till lunchtime
- 2x oat cookies - took a batch to the Weight Loss Guru course for everyone, and they were well received!
- Falafel wraps - from a moroccan place. Something I hadn't tried before and although the wraps were obviously wheat-based, it was really nice and I still felt good after. Didn't have my phone on me to take a photo though.
- Rachel's raspberry yoghurt, mouthful of peanuts - on the train on my way home from London
- 3 oat cookies - definitely need to make less next time. Far too moreish!
- Turkey stir fry
- 2x rye toast with pilchards in tomato sauce, lettuce in olive oil and toasted seeds - yummy, and definitely will keep me satisfied till lunchtime
- 2x oat cookies - took a batch to the Weight Loss Guru course for everyone, and they were well received!
- Falafel wraps - from a moroccan place. Something I hadn't tried before and although the wraps were obviously wheat-based, it was really nice and I still felt good after. Didn't have my phone on me to take a photo though.
- Rachel's raspberry yoghurt, mouthful of peanuts - on the train on my way home from London
- 3 oat cookies - definitely need to make less next time. Far too moreish!
- Turkey stir fry
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Week 4 - day 23
Day 23
- Apple - on the way to my 6.30am client
- Muesli and natural yoghurt (soaked overnight) with 1/2 a peach and fresh fig pieces
- Peanuts
- Tuna, avocado and butter bean salad
- Oat, coconut and banana cookies x4 - Too nice out of the oven!
- Melaleuca ginseng herbal tea
- Stir fry omelette, 2 eggs
- Apple - on the way to my 6.30am client
- Muesli and natural yoghurt (soaked overnight) with 1/2 a peach and fresh fig pieces
- Peanuts
- Tuna, avocado and butter bean salad
- Oat, coconut and banana cookies x4 - Too nice out of the oven!
- Melaleuca ginseng herbal tea
- Stir fry omelette, 2 eggs
Week 3 - results update and how I feel
Weight and measurements after 3 weeks.
23rd August
9st 1.4lbs (was 9st 6lbs - 4.6lbs less)
Waist 28.5" (was 29" - 1/2" less)
Umbillicus 33" (was 34" - 1" less)
Goals
I WILL lose 7lbs in 30 days
I WILL drop 1" from my waist
I WILL drop 2" from my umbillicus
I now have 7 days left and 2.4lbs and 1.5 inches to go. I could use various strategies that I have done in the past, such as low carb (no starches) or a fast fast (24 hours dinner to dinner), as I know these have worked for me. But...
...I think it would be much better to carry on as I have, as it feels like I am not doing a challenge but just healthy eating. I have done a few of these 30 day clean eating before, so the more I do it, the easier it becomes as it just feels, normal!
So I may not lose 7lbs as I planned, but I am going to GAIN so much more from this.
- A normal healthy eating lifestyle
- Total control over food and not food controlling me
- Better energy levels and concentration
- A strong immune system to ward off illness
- The ability to say no when offered foods that are not so good for us!
23rd August
9st 1.4lbs (was 9st 6lbs - 4.6lbs less)
Waist 28.5" (was 29" - 1/2" less)
Umbillicus 33" (was 34" - 1" less)
Goals
I WILL lose 7lbs in 30 days
I WILL drop 1" from my waist
I WILL drop 2" from my umbillicus
I now have 7 days left and 2.4lbs and 1.5 inches to go. I could use various strategies that I have done in the past, such as low carb (no starches) or a fast fast (24 hours dinner to dinner), as I know these have worked for me. But...
...I think it would be much better to carry on as I have, as it feels like I am not doing a challenge but just healthy eating. I have done a few of these 30 day clean eating before, so the more I do it, the easier it becomes as it just feels, normal!
So I may not lose 7lbs as I planned, but I am going to GAIN so much more from this.
- A normal healthy eating lifestyle
- Total control over food and not food controlling me
- Better energy levels and concentration
- A strong immune system to ward off illness
- The ability to say no when offered foods that are not so good for us!
Week 4 - day 22
Day 22
I felt quite heavy this morning after too much heavy food yesterday so vowed to have a lighter day.
- Peach, banana, milled seeds and coconut milk smoothie (with greens powder supplement)
Saw my morning client then a brisk hour's walk with the dog round the park before heading off into London to join Pete Cohen and the next batch of Weight Loss Guru Practitioners! I was running late so threw some snacks into a small cooler to take with me.
- Chicken leg - ate this in about 5 minutes while packing the cooler!
- Cherry tomatoes - on the train
- Chicken leg and a Rachel's yoghurt (not at the same time!)
- Peanuts
A bit of a picky day so made sure I had a good evening meal.
- Grilled steak with steamed brocolli and leek drizzled in olive oil and lemon juice
I felt quite heavy this morning after too much heavy food yesterday so vowed to have a lighter day.
- Peach, banana, milled seeds and coconut milk smoothie (with greens powder supplement)
Saw my morning client then a brisk hour's walk with the dog round the park before heading off into London to join Pete Cohen and the next batch of Weight Loss Guru Practitioners! I was running late so threw some snacks into a small cooler to take with me.
- Chicken leg - ate this in about 5 minutes while packing the cooler!
- Cherry tomatoes - on the train
- Chicken leg and a Rachel's yoghurt (not at the same time!)
- Peanuts
A bit of a picky day so made sure I had a good evening meal.
- Grilled steak with steamed brocolli and leek drizzled in olive oil and lemon juice
Week 3 - day 21
Day 21
- Peach, banana, milled seeds and coconut milk smoothie (plus greens powder supplement)
Drank this over about half an hour while setting up my gazebo for my second day at the Duck Pond Market Medieval Festival!
- Strawberries and Rachel's yoghurt
- Melaleuca ginseng herbal tea
- Spinach and cherry tomato quiche - contained wheat I know, but at least these were hand-made with about 6 ingredients rather than 37 like shop bought ones!
- Paella - had this again but didn't get through it. I actually wanted a savoury buckwheat crepe but was on my stand on my own and the queues were huge!
- Pukka morning time rooibos tea
- Strawberries
- Beef bourguignon, roast potatoes, broccoli, green pepper and peas - made by my brother who's not too good with portion control. Hence I didn't eat all of this!
- Peach, banana, milled seeds and coconut milk smoothie (plus greens powder supplement)
Drank this over about half an hour while setting up my gazebo for my second day at the Duck Pond Market Medieval Festival!
- Strawberries and Rachel's yoghurt
- Melaleuca ginseng herbal tea
- Spinach and cherry tomato quiche - contained wheat I know, but at least these were hand-made with about 6 ingredients rather than 37 like shop bought ones!
- Paella - had this again but didn't get through it. I actually wanted a savoury buckwheat crepe but was on my stand on my own and the queues were huge!
- Pukka morning time rooibos tea
- Strawberries
- Beef bourguignon, roast potatoes, broccoli, green pepper and peas - made by my brother who's not too good with portion control. Hence I didn't eat all of this!
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Week 3 - day 20
Day 20
- Porridge (soaked in water and a squeeze of lemon juice overnight) with coconut milk, dried cranberries and toasted seeds
Duck Pond Market Medieval Weekend this weekend where I am standing a stand both days. I know I will be able to eat something home-cooked so packed some snacks to take as well.
- Pukka cleanse tea - nettle, fennel and aloe vera
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Chicken and chiorizo paella from one of the food stalls. Very nice!
- Strawberries and natural yoghurt - mmmmm
- Tick Tock green tea
- 2x soft boiled eggs with rye bread and butter
- Porridge (soaked in water and a squeeze of lemon juice overnight) with coconut milk, dried cranberries and toasted seeds
Duck Pond Market Medieval Weekend this weekend where I am standing a stand both days. I know I will be able to eat something home-cooked so packed some snacks to take as well.
- Pukka cleanse tea - nettle, fennel and aloe vera
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Chicken and chiorizo paella from one of the food stalls. Very nice!
- Strawberries and natural yoghurt - mmmmm
- Tick Tock green tea
- 2x soft boiled eggs with rye bread and butter
Friday, 19 August 2011
Week 3 - day 19
Day 19
- Muesli in natural yoghurt (soaked overnight) and a peach
Went to the Dog's Trust today as a volunteer. Tiring but rewarding work cleaning the kennels and walking the dogs round the field...or rather me being dragged round the field!
- Banana and peanuts - to keep my energy levels up for dog walking!
- Red/brown rice and prawn salad as yesterday with avocado
- Tropical rooibos tea
Felt hungry again quite soon. Don't think the salad was big enough plus I'd expended quite a bit of energy this morning so think it got used up quick. Needed something with more bite to it to fill me up.
- 2x slices rye bread with hummus, cucumber, lettuce, tomato and toasted seeds
- Baked plaice fillet in olive oil, salt and tarragon with steamed brocolli, leek and chopped spinach with a little butter
Really wanted some raisins, but didn't buy any on purpose so I couldn't! Had a cuppa instead.
- Rooibos tropical tea
- Muesli in natural yoghurt (soaked overnight) and a peach
Went to the Dog's Trust today as a volunteer. Tiring but rewarding work cleaning the kennels and walking the dogs round the field...or rather me being dragged round the field!
- Banana and peanuts - to keep my energy levels up for dog walking!
- Red/brown rice and prawn salad as yesterday with avocado
- Tropical rooibos tea
Felt hungry again quite soon. Don't think the salad was big enough plus I'd expended quite a bit of energy this morning so think it got used up quick. Needed something with more bite to it to fill me up.
- 2x slices rye bread with hummus, cucumber, lettuce, tomato and toasted seeds
- Baked plaice fillet in olive oil, salt and tarragon with steamed brocolli, leek and chopped spinach with a little butter
Really wanted some raisins, but didn't buy any on purpose so I couldn't! Had a cuppa instead.
- Rooibos tropical tea
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Week 3 - day 18
Day 18
- Banana - Early start for me this morning with my 6.30am client so just something to fill my tummy
- 2 slices toasted rye bread with pilchards in tomato sauce, and lettuce in olive oil with toasted seeds.
A super power breakfast which was yummy. I did take a photo but must have deleted it by accident (in my half asleep state) as doesn't seem to be on my phone anymore. Oops!
- Peach and Rachel's yoghurt
Felt completely shattered today. Have had a hectic week with early starts and late finishes, so had a lazy afternoon dozing and watching tv. I so needed it!
- Red camargue and wholegrain brown rice with prawns and dried basil, with salad
- 2x chicken thighs with steamed courgettes - small meal as I don't get in till 9pm on a Thursday evening and wanted an early night.
- Banana - Early start for me this morning with my 6.30am client so just something to fill my tummy
- 2 slices toasted rye bread with pilchards in tomato sauce, and lettuce in olive oil with toasted seeds.
A super power breakfast which was yummy. I did take a photo but must have deleted it by accident (in my half asleep state) as doesn't seem to be on my phone anymore. Oops!
- Peach and Rachel's yoghurt
Felt completely shattered today. Have had a hectic week with early starts and late finishes, so had a lazy afternoon dozing and watching tv. I so needed it!
- Red camargue and wholegrain brown rice with prawns and dried basil, with salad
- 2x chicken thighs with steamed courgettes - small meal as I don't get in till 9pm on a Thursday evening and wanted an early night.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Week 3 - day 17
Day 17
- Peach, coconut, milled seeds and greens powder smoothie
I could only manage half of this before I was stuffed! I ate late last night so don't think I was hungry enough.
I then waited till I was hungry, a good 4-5 hours later (!), then had...
- Chicken and avocado salad
I am thinking I need to experiment a bit more as my meals, although healthy and easy, are very samey. Time to nose through some recipe books me thinks!
- Raspberries and a little cream
- 3 egg omelette with leek, green pepper and courgette (from the garden!)
- Peach, coconut, milled seeds and greens powder smoothie
I could only manage half of this before I was stuffed! I ate late last night so don't think I was hungry enough.
I then waited till I was hungry, a good 4-5 hours later (!), then had...
- Chicken and avocado salad
I am thinking I need to experiment a bit more as my meals, although healthy and easy, are very samey. Time to nose through some recipe books me thinks!
- Raspberries and a little cream
- 3 egg omelette with leek, green pepper and courgette (from the garden!)
Week 3 - day 16
Day 16
- Porridge made with water and coconut milk with toasted seeds and cranberries
Went to get my hair cut and coloured so had a snack and tea in the hairdressers.
- Apple, peanuts and fruit tea
- 2 slices rye bread with hummus, sliced cucumber, tomato, avocado, ham and mung bean sprouts
- Stir fried tuna steak and veggies in coconut oil
- Porridge made with water and coconut milk with toasted seeds and cranberries
Went to get my hair cut and coloured so had a snack and tea in the hairdressers.
- Apple, peanuts and fruit tea
- 2 slices rye bread with hummus, sliced cucumber, tomato, avocado, ham and mung bean sprouts
- Stir fried tuna steak and veggies in coconut oil
Week 3 - day 15
Day 15
Still felt heavy from yesterday's food so kept breakfast light.
- 2x peaches, natural yoghurt and toasted seeds
- Cherries
- 3 egg omelette with ham and leftover green veg from yesterday, served with lettuce and mung bean sprouts in olive oil
- Mouthful of raisins - my last! Decided to stop buying them so they are not in the house. Going cold turkey!
- Pukka morning time rooibos tea - in the afternoon but never mind ;-)
- Peanuts and Rachel's yoghurt
- Steak, brocolli and roasties from yesterday
Still felt heavy from yesterday's food so kept breakfast light.
- 2x peaches, natural yoghurt and toasted seeds
- Cherries
- 3 egg omelette with ham and leftover green veg from yesterday, served with lettuce and mung bean sprouts in olive oil
- Mouthful of raisins - my last! Decided to stop buying them so they are not in the house. Going cold turkey!
- Pukka morning time rooibos tea - in the afternoon but never mind ;-)
- Peanuts and Rachel's yoghurt
- Steak, brocolli and roasties from yesterday
Week 2 - day 14
Day 14
It does now feel like I have been doing this for longer than a fortnight, but at the same time, it feels like a normal way of eating as I have been through a couple of these types of months before. It's definitely true that the more you 'practice' something, the more it just becomes 'normal', and the way you used to eat becomes 'abnormal'!
- Strawberries, peach, natural yoghurt and toasted seeds
I went out to the Dog's Trust Charity Fun Day so took some snacks with me in case I couldn't find anything.
- Cherries, peanuts and 2 oat cookies (that I kept for myself after taking the others to the party!)
Ended up staying at the fun day for hours so had to hunt down some food. Thankfully found a guy that did savory crepes that used buckwheat flour. Result!
- Buckwheat crepe with egg, ham and nut free pesto!
- Tick Tock green tea
- Roast gammon with brocolli, mange tout, peas, carrots, green beans, a little cauliflower cheese (my first bit of cheese in 2 weeks!) and gravy
- Trifle! - I wobbled and had my brother's home-made trifle which are always lush. Only good thing was that it was home-made therefore not full of preservatives and unrecognisable ingredients! Lots of sugar though. I did feel really fat and bloated after my Sunday dinner overload :-( It will have to be a perfect week next week.
It does now feel like I have been doing this for longer than a fortnight, but at the same time, it feels like a normal way of eating as I have been through a couple of these types of months before. It's definitely true that the more you 'practice' something, the more it just becomes 'normal', and the way you used to eat becomes 'abnormal'!
- Strawberries, peach, natural yoghurt and toasted seeds
I went out to the Dog's Trust Charity Fun Day so took some snacks with me in case I couldn't find anything.
- Cherries, peanuts and 2 oat cookies (that I kept for myself after taking the others to the party!)
Ended up staying at the fun day for hours so had to hunt down some food. Thankfully found a guy that did savory crepes that used buckwheat flour. Result!
- Buckwheat crepe with egg, ham and nut free pesto!
- Tick Tock green tea
- Roast gammon with brocolli, mange tout, peas, carrots, green beans, a little cauliflower cheese (my first bit of cheese in 2 weeks!) and gravy
- Trifle! - I wobbled and had my brother's home-made trifle which are always lush. Only good thing was that it was home-made therefore not full of preservatives and unrecognisable ingredients! Lots of sugar though. I did feel really fat and bloated after my Sunday dinner overload :-( It will have to be a perfect week next week.
Oat, banana, coconut cookies - wheat/sugar free!
Ingredients
3 large, over-ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut oil, warmed slightly (see comments below on this)
2 cups organic rolled oats (or fine oats)
2/3 cup almond meal (or milled seeds or oatmeal if allergic to nuts like me!)
1/3 cup unsweetened coconut, finely shredded (I used dessicated coconut from health food shop)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp sea salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine mashed bananas, vanilla and coconut oil in a bowl and set aside.
In another bowl mix together oats, almond meal (or milled seeds), shredded coconut, cinnamon and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet and stir in till combined.
Drop tablespoons of dough about 1 inch apart onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 12 minutes.
Note re coconut oil:
This you will have to buy from a health food shop or in the specialist section in the supermarket. It's not that cheap but is so amazing good for you! You need to look for organic cold pressed virgin coconut oil. For more info click these links underneath.
http://www.biona.co.uk/product-364-4.html
http://www.naturalfoodfinder.co.uk/coconut-products
http://products.mercola.com/coconut-oil/
(He is promoting his own but the information is useful)
Week 2 - day 13
Day 13
- Porridge made with water and coconut milk, toasted seeds and raisins
- Clementine, peach and Rachel's yoghurt
- 2 slices rye bread with hummus and sliced tomato
- 3 oat, banana and coconut cookies - home-made and wheat/sugar free! Recipe to follow in next post! I made these to take to a girlie party. Thankfully she had some healthy nibbles to was able to eat something!
- Chicken, prawns, veg sticks and hummus, 3 oat, banana and coconut cookies
- Porridge made with water and coconut milk, toasted seeds and raisins
- Clementine, peach and Rachel's yoghurt
- 2 slices rye bread with hummus and sliced tomato
- 3 oat, banana and coconut cookies - home-made and wheat/sugar free! Recipe to follow in next post! I made these to take to a girlie party. Thankfully she had some healthy nibbles to was able to eat something!
- Chicken, prawns, veg sticks and hummus, 3 oat, banana and coconut cookies
Friday, 12 August 2011
Sprouting your own beans
Sprouts (not brussels!), are a very rich source of vitamins, phytonutrients, proteins and minerals.
They are easy to grow and require no soil or sowing, just place the seeds in the tray and water twice daily.
I generally tend to sprout mung beans and alfalfa seeds, but there are many more you can try. Having a 3 tiered tray means you can sprout more than one variety (if you don't want to mix them), or have ones at different stages of growth to give you a steady supply.
Here's a couple of pics of mine at the start, then once they started growing.
Have a look here for online examples of sprouters, but you can get them from the health food shops.
Week 2 - day 12
Day 12
I am finally up to date with posting my food up till now, hurrah! I hope you've been getting some inspiration from it, even though I do eat quite samey. That's another challenge for me in itself trying different recipes out.
So how am I feeling 12 days in?
Well I can definitely feel that my holiday love handles have reduced! I'm more alert and my energy levels are much better.
Here's my food for today:
- Apple - which I ate far too quickly before my 6.30am client, and before I was really awake!
- Muesli, natural yoghurt and blueberries - ate this in 2 sittings. First half in my car after my first client and before the next one, too quickly again. Then the second half when I got home before taking the dog for a walk.
- Yoghurt raisins! - I cannot go into a health food shop without buying either these or banana chips. Not on the natural food plan. I think I need hypnosis to conquer this one!
- Tropical rooibos tea
- Chicken salad as yesterday
- More yoghurt raisins - one thing about clean eating is that when you do eat something off plan, you certainly feel it! I felt bloated and tired after eating these today. Lesson learned!
- Beef and veg stir fry - made up for it with lots of different veg in my stir fry - cabbage mix, spinach, orange pepper, courgette and red onion
- Tulsi tea - to help me relax after a busy day :)
I am finally up to date with posting my food up till now, hurrah! I hope you've been getting some inspiration from it, even though I do eat quite samey. That's another challenge for me in itself trying different recipes out.
So how am I feeling 12 days in?
Well I can definitely feel that my holiday love handles have reduced! I'm more alert and my energy levels are much better.
Here's my food for today:
- Apple - which I ate far too quickly before my 6.30am client, and before I was really awake!
- Muesli, natural yoghurt and blueberries - ate this in 2 sittings. First half in my car after my first client and before the next one, too quickly again. Then the second half when I got home before taking the dog for a walk.
- Yoghurt raisins! - I cannot go into a health food shop without buying either these or banana chips. Not on the natural food plan. I think I need hypnosis to conquer this one!
- Tropical rooibos tea
- Chicken salad as yesterday
- More yoghurt raisins - one thing about clean eating is that when you do eat something off plan, you certainly feel it! I felt bloated and tired after eating these today. Lesson learned!
- Beef and veg stir fry - made up for it with lots of different veg in my stir fry - cabbage mix, spinach, orange pepper, courgette and red onion
- Tulsi tea - to help me relax after a busy day :)
Week 2 - day 11
Day 11
- Melon and coconut milk smoothie with milled seeds. I also added my greens supplement and milk thistle
This pic below is from another time when I had banana and pear instead of melon. For me one third of a can of coconut milk is enough as it is very filling. This smoothie has to be drunk slowly and still 'chewed' or at least swirled in the mouth to start the release of digestive enzymes. Neck this at your peril, it will sit like a brick in your stomach! But, it will keep you going all morning with NO cravings whatsoever! :-)
- Cooked chicken thighs with salad and avocado (I always make a large salad so I have enough for the next day too)
- Tropical rooibos tea
- Blueberries and Rachel's yoghurt
- 2 mouthfuls raisins
- 2 soft boiled eggs and slice of rye toast and butter (I was feeling tired and lazy and wanted something quick and easy)
- Melon and coconut milk smoothie with milled seeds. I also added my greens supplement and milk thistle
This pic below is from another time when I had banana and pear instead of melon. For me one third of a can of coconut milk is enough as it is very filling. This smoothie has to be drunk slowly and still 'chewed' or at least swirled in the mouth to start the release of digestive enzymes. Neck this at your peril, it will sit like a brick in your stomach! But, it will keep you going all morning with NO cravings whatsoever! :-)
- Cooked chicken thighs with salad and avocado (I always make a large salad so I have enough for the next day too)
- Tropical rooibos tea
- Blueberries and Rachel's yoghurt
- 2 mouthfuls raisins
- 2 soft boiled eggs and slice of rye toast and butter (I was feeling tired and lazy and wanted something quick and easy)
Week 2 - day 10
Day 10
- Blueberries, raspberries, peach, Yeo Valley natural yoghurt and toasted seeds
- Sugar snap peas and hummus
- Cherries
- Butter bean salad as yesterday
- Raisins
- Oven cooked bacon, fried egg, steamed broccoli and spinach
- Blueberries, raspberries, peach, Yeo Valley natural yoghurt and toasted seeds
- Sugar snap peas and hummus
- Cherries
- Butter bean salad as yesterday
- Raisins
- Oven cooked bacon, fried egg, steamed broccoli and spinach
Week 2 - day 9
Day 9
- Banana
- Porridge made with water and coconut milk with milled seeds and raisins
- Butter beans, tuna, sun dried tomatoes and avocado salad
- Melaleuca tangy lemon herbal tea
- Chicken leg, raisins
- Chicken, lentil and green veg broth
- Banana
- Porridge made with water and coconut milk with milled seeds and raisins
- Butter beans, tuna, sun dried tomatoes and avocado salad
- Melaleuca tangy lemon herbal tea
- Chicken leg, raisins
- Chicken, lentil and green veg broth
Week 2 - day 8
Day 8
- Cherries and Rachel's yoghurt
- Apple and unsalted peanuts
- Cold jerk chicken, mouthful raisins
- 3 egg omelette with green veg, salad and avocado
- 1 slice rye bread with hummus and sliced tomato
- Melaleuca ginseng herbal tea
- Pork chipolatas, 2 roasties and broccoli with a little butter
- Cherries and Rachel's yoghurt
- Apple and unsalted peanuts
- Cold jerk chicken, mouthful raisins
- 3 egg omelette with green veg, salad and avocado
- 1 slice rye bread with hummus and sliced tomato
- Melaleuca ginseng herbal tea
- Pork chipolatas, 2 roasties and broccoli with a little butter
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Week 1 results update
Weight and measurements after 1 week, plus my goals again.
8th August
9st 3.4lbs
(was 9st 6lbs - 2.6lbs less)
Waist 28.75"
(was 29" - 1/4" less)
Umbillicus 33.75"
(was 34" - 1/4" less)
Goals
I WILL lose 7lbs in 30 days
I WILL drop 1" from my waist
I WILL drop 2" from my umbillicus
8th August
9st 3.4lbs
(was 9st 6lbs - 2.6lbs less)
Waist 28.75"
(was 29" - 1/4" less)
Umbillicus 33.75"
(was 34" - 1/4" less)
Goals
I WILL lose 7lbs in 30 days
I WILL drop 1" from my waist
I WILL drop 2" from my umbillicus
Week 1 - day 7
Day 7
- Porridge made with water and coconut milk (Biona), with milled seeds and raisins
- Grilled haddock and salad
- Cherries
- Raisins
- Roast jerk chicken, 2 roasties, broccoli, leeks, carrots, green beans, peas, home-made gravy
- Eton mess! (another not ideal meal) - raspberries, strawberries, cream and meringue
- Tick Tock green tea
- Porridge made with water and coconut milk (Biona), with milled seeds and raisins
- Grilled haddock and salad
- Cherries
- Raisins
- Roast jerk chicken, 2 roasties, broccoli, leeks, carrots, green beans, peas, home-made gravy
- Eton mess! (another not ideal meal) - raspberries, strawberries, cream and meringue
- Tick Tock green tea
Week 1 - day 6
Day 6
- Strawberries with milled seeds mixed into coconut yoghurt
- Apple and unsalted peanuts
- Tuna salad as yesterday
- 2 egg omelette with red onion, broccoli and green pepper (soften veg first in a little organic butter or coconut oil, then add egg and serve with salad)
- Raisins (yes...still eating them!)
Family ordered Chinese...hmmm, more of a challenge and not ideal but had...
- Duck pancakes, chicken & pineapple, egg fried rice (avoided spring rolls, sesame prawn toasts, prawn crackers and sweet & sour chicken)
- Strawberries with milled seeds mixed into coconut yoghurt
- Apple and unsalted peanuts
- Tuna salad as yesterday
- 2 egg omelette with red onion, broccoli and green pepper (soften veg first in a little organic butter or coconut oil, then add egg and serve with salad)
- Raisins (yes...still eating them!)
Family ordered Chinese...hmmm, more of a challenge and not ideal but had...
- Duck pancakes, chicken & pineapple, egg fried rice (avoided spring rolls, sesame prawn toasts, prawn crackers and sweet & sour chicken)
Week 1 - day 5
Day 5
- Muesli, coconut yoghurt and strawberries (mmmmm!)
- Morning time rooibos tea by Pukka
- Mixed bean and tuna salad as day 4
- Sugar snap peas and hummus, Rachel's strawberry yoghurt
- Tick Tock green tea
- Prawn stir fry, mouthful of raisins...oops!
- Muesli, coconut yoghurt and strawberries (mmmmm!)
- Morning time rooibos tea by Pukka
- Mixed bean and tuna salad as day 4
- Sugar snap peas and hummus, Rachel's strawberry yoghurt
- Tick Tock green tea
- Prawn stir fry, mouthful of raisins...oops!
Week 1 - day 4
Day 4
- Muesli, Rachel's greek style coconut yoghurt (yum!) and plums
- Mixed beans, tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado and green salad with toasted seeds
- Banana and peanuts
- Beef stir fry with cabbage mix, orange pepper, red onion, broccoli cooked in coconut oil
No raisins all day, hurrah! See I CAN go without. It's just a habit!
- Muesli, Rachel's greek style coconut yoghurt (yum!) and plums
- Mixed beans, tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado and green salad with toasted seeds
- Banana and peanuts
- Beef stir fry with cabbage mix, orange pepper, red onion, broccoli cooked in coconut oil
No raisins all day, hurrah! See I CAN go without. It's just a habit!
Week 1 - day 3
Day 3
- Cherries and a Rachel's yoghurt
- 2 slices rye bread (no wheat) with hummus and avocado salad
- Rooibos tropical tea - really nice!
- 2 farmer's market just beef sausages, broccoli, green beans and dribble of gravy (most of which ended up in my lap when I sat down, oops!)
- Lots of raisins! (my vice when want something sweet and in a picky mood. The one thing I need to get under control somehow!)
Week 1 - days 1 & 2
Day 1
- Small pears, clementine and a Rachel's yoghurt
- Peanuts and raisins
- Cooked chicken salad
- Apple
- Steamed salmon, broccoli, brown & red rice and half an avocado
Day 2
- 3 small plums and Rachel's yoghurt
- Unsalted peanuts and raisins
- Prawn, avocado and toasted seed salad
- Chicken thighs, raisins
- 2 soft boiled eggs and sugar snap pea dippers
- Small pears, clementine and a Rachel's yoghurt
- Peanuts and raisins
- Cooked chicken salad
- Apple
- Steamed salmon, broccoli, brown & red rice and half an avocado
Day 2
- 3 small plums and Rachel's yoghurt
- Unsalted peanuts and raisins
- Prawn, avocado and toasted seed salad
- Chicken thighs, raisins
- 2 soft boiled eggs and sugar snap pea dippers
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