How has the first full week of 2015 been treating you? I’m feeling equal measures of motivation and stress! This week really signalled a new start for me and I’m really motivated because of that, but I’m also feeling rather stressed with the tasks I’ve set myself. Something for another post me thinks! I’m also feeling quite humbled just realising just how unfit I am! I tried a little run and my word, how tough! I wasn’t expecting to be at the same level of fitness I was at before I tried to get pregnant, but I couldn’t remember it being so hard. So here I am starting again, but overall that feels good!
Eat
Salmon stir fry with ginger and tamari
Harrisa chicken salad with hummus dressing
Roast squash and sprouts with feta and a fried egg
Salad with lentils, squash, feta and pomegranate
Baked sweet potato with tuna and red onion
Snack of hummus, carrots and an apple
Smoothie with blueberries, pear, vanilla protein powder and almond milk
Home made protein balls with mixed nuts, dates, chocolate brown rice protein powder, coconut oil and chia seeds
I feel like I’ve ate really well this week. I’ve made a conscious effort to drink more water and eat more protein and I’ve started keeping a food diary as well. Those protein balls were so good, I need to make some more I only wish I written down the recipe! I’ve actually been thinking that I make loads of meals and snacks that taste great and I’ve love to share the recipe but the lack of time to photograph them properly stops me from posting them. As well as my ‘fancy pants’ recipe posts I was thinking of starting to post quick and easy recipe posts with just normal pics so I can share things like that. Thoughts?
Move
- Monday – plank a day
- Tuesday – plank a day + gym workout – 10 mins cross trainer, 10 mins treadmill, 10 mins bike + 20 minutes strength exercises using machines and free weights
- Wednesday – plank a day
- Thursday – plank a day + 20 minute walk / jog with Fin in the push chair and 7 minute Davina Box Fit workout
- Friday – plank a day + gym workout – 10 mins bike, 10 mins step machine, 10 mins strength exercises using machines and free weights
- Saturday + Sunday – plank a days
I’m so chuffed I met my 3 workouts a week goal as well as still going strong with the plank a day challenge! Our push chair isn’t a proper one for running (on the wish list) so I just jogged slowly while on smooth parts of the pavement. It was a nice little workout!
Wear
Mama: leather biker jacket: Warehouse, printed top: Warehouse, old anchor necklace: Not on the High Street, jeans: Dorothy Perkins // Baba: hat: Sainsbury’s, dribble bib: Next, cardigan: H&M, jeans and stripy top: Asda, booties: Mothercare
The top I’m wearing was a sale purchase from Warehouse and I love the funky print. I also have to admit I love dressing baby boy up smart, he has some lovely clothes and outfits!
Love
Sweet words about the blog in Cosmo Body issue 8! Also…
Losing 3.5lbs this week! // baby group and chatting to other lovely mamas // working with clients and community groups again // feeling like this is the new normal // Finley sleeping 3 hours straight! // visiting my sis and nephew // great support from some other mama entrepreneurs in a Facebook Group I’m part of // Skyping with Kezia and talking about our goals / plans to take over the world in 2015 // waking up to smiles
Link
- 5 Daily Self Care Rituals for a Healthy Happy 2015
- Introducing the Noom Coaching app
- Join the Happy Tummy Movement with Activia this January
- Recipe for Egg and Veggie Muffins
- Super Simple Protein Fluff via Proteinology
- Monster Supplements Kickstart 2015 free ebook featuring one of my recipes!
- Snacks you can prepare for a healthy day via Get the Gloss
- What to do when your baby hates to sleep via The Milk Meg
It feels good to have that first week of 2015 under the belt! My Mam has Tuesday’s off work so is coming round to help me take care of Finley once a week. That means I’ve been able to start up working with a few clients and resume my community projects as well as fit in a workout at the gym. The day was crazy busy, but I kind of felt like me again if that makes sense? For the first time since Finley was born, things are starting to feel normal rather than ‘oh my god I have a child wtf!’ I missed him so much, but this is part of the great balancing act that is motherhood.
How was the first full week of 2015 for you? Would you be happy to see some quick little recipe posts?
It looks like 2015 is off to a great start :)
That picture of you and Fin is lovely – he looks so adorable!!
Definitely agree with Cosmo – I always have a smile from reading your blog :)
Thanks Lauren, I’m glad I leave you with a smile!
That is such a lovely picture of you and Fin. I love his little outfit, and yours too of course! I’d love to see some quick and easy recipe posts, I think most of us get stumped looking for recipes we can bash out quickly with things we often have in the kitchen. glad to hear you’re getting in the swing of your new normal.
Thanks Sarah! Will definitely be posting more quick and easy recipes :-)
Sounds like you’ve had a great first week of 2015! I would love quick and easy recipe posts – making an effort this year to try to cook more as part of my money saving plans! x
Brilliant, will definitely be posting more recipes like that then :-)
What a lovely pic of you both. I have been reading your FB posts for the past 6 months or so and I really look forward to them popping up on FB. Your healthy eating has inspired me especially when I see your pics of your fabulous healthy meals / recipes…giving lots of ideas and inspiration. I think your quick and easy recipe posts is a brill idea. And like you I’m up for the fit and healthy challenge for 2015! Thanks for sharing your fabulous posts! L
Thanks so much Linz! Will definitely be posting more quick and easy recipes. Hope you have a fit and fabulous 2015!
I love the sound of the quick recipe posts- sometimes simple is better anyway and you shouldn’t let the lack of time put you off from posting.
I am feeling really optimistic this week- after being unwell for so long I got in a bit of a funk I think, and my first run back was really tough and a bit depressing really, but this week I pledged 4 runs for Jantastic, and managed them, and I feel already that I am getting back to the speed that I would like to be at. I have a 10 mile race next weekend and I was feeling very panicked about it, but now I feel like I will manage it- phew!
Glad you are feeling better Maria, I’m sure your race will be fine. Jantastic is such a great idea!
My first full week of 2015 was totally stressful! Glad it’s over.
Finley is rocking it in his outfit! I love his smile too ;)
The article is right about your blog: I enjoy it from all perspectives! I also like the idea of quick recipes posts, it’s better than nothing and even if I know blogging is part of your business, it’s always good to keep it totally real sometimes! It brings us down to earth! Or me, at least ;)
Finally I have to say that I find you and Finley looking totally blooming! I am happy for you!
Oh no, hope you are feeling better now after that week :-( Will definitely be doing the quick recipe posts now. Thanks for that sweet comment :-)
Love your trainers! They’re pretty! As always, all of yor food pictures look delicious! :) and the picture of you and Fin is adorable!
My first full week back at work this year was pretty good. I’m finally getting back into a proper routine, it took a while. I did manage to exercise everyday though! I’ve started to get back into Yoga and realised how much I missed it!
Thanks Laura, I love some bright funky gym wear! Glad you had a good week, I always feel better when I’m in a routine :-)
Oh that picture of you two…soo smiley and lovely!! <3
Totally agree with Cosmo, well deserved to be in there with that little piece!
So glad to hear you're getting back into your groove with fitness, definitely makes you feel so much better and you'll be back up to a fitness level you're happy with soon enough :) And I love your leggings and trainers!!
I think quick recipes like protein balls are fab and I'm sure they'll be much appreciated by other busy people! :)
Thanks Nicky, he’s coming on isn’t he :-) It feels so good to be working out and I feel like I’ll be back to a great place body and fitness wise in no time :-)
Great start to 2015, well done on the workouts.
I’m glad that you’re feeling a bit more like you again, you look so happy with Fin. Everything seems to be slotting into place for you in 2015! I look forward to seeing some quick recipe posts from you, something simple and quick – fancy photo posts shouldn’t always be needed :)
Thanks Becky, it’s been a long time coming! Looking forward to doing the quick and easy posts now!
I’m with what Cosmo mag, spot on!
Thanks Karina!
I’m so happy to hear you’re getting back to your ‘normal’ self and feeling more you, that’s great!
RE – quick and easy recipe posts, go for it! I love your recipe posts and to be perfectly honest, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t gone all out and put your photography hat on. Do whatever works for you, and I love the sound of those protein balls! Your food always loos delicious.
First week of 2015 has been a bit of a write off, my mind is all over the place and I think I’ve just been overthinking all of my 2015 goals a bit much, plus having been back to work since first thing on the 27th December has left me feeling pretty run down too, sob. This week feels like things will be much better however.
Have a fab week Laura xx
She’s So Lucy
Thanks Lucy, will definitely be doing the quick and easy recipe posts! Hope this week is better for you, I think things can get a bit overwhelming that first week back!
Such a cute picture of you both! Our Skype was def a highlight of my week – that and sorting out my wardrobe and taking several bags to charity shop – so satisfying!
Ooh I bet that was so good, I love a big clear out!
Sounds like an awesome week Laura – Finley looks so joyful in that picture! Great meal inspirations too, that salmon stir fry looks too good!
Thanks Claire! He’s a happy little chappy!
2015 started out pretty rubbishly for me but steadily getting better. You’re an inspiration! I am also back to square one with my fitness levels, and without any good excuse like you. Going to start yoga classes in 2 weeks and super excited! And get back into running. I like the idea of simple meals and ideas. Congrats on the weight loss amazing!! I’ve been trying out 5:2 we will see how it goes x
Glad it’s getting better for you Rachael! You’ll be feeling fitter before you know it! Hope you enjoy yoga, I’m looking forward to the day when I can get back to a class. Hope the 5:2 works out for you x
I definitely think the quick recipe posts are the way forward. I find big posts on recipes a bit boring if I’m honest (but they’re always very good don’t get me wrong, just not as interesting as other posts perhaps) – I like hearing about your life and goings on more and having the recipes as quick little asides means the best of the both worlds!
All your meals literally look like things I would have. I’m all over feta salads right now. SO GOOD.
Thanks for being honest, that makes a lot of sense! I could eat feta everyday and not tire of it, yum!
This month has already been super busy for me, I am loving my new job and my workouts have been great too, I’ve also started running again and I’m really enjoying it but yes it’s bloody hard!!
Very nice article! And great shoes! ;)
Just got a chance to read this post. You are doing so well with your eating and workouts and you have a baby! Well done on losing that weight! It’s definitely going in the right direction isn’t it? That lentil salad looks really nice and just gives me ideas for my own salads. Would love to see some quick little recipe posts to give me more ideas for my own healthy eating.
Petra