What's the secret to getting skinny fast?

Want to know the secret to getting skinny fast?...I'm sorry, there is none! Well there is but it's hard work, unhealthy and doesn't last. Trust me I've tried them all.

I also don't like the word skinny. It is described in the dictionary as 'unattractively thin' yet it is bandied around in the media as something positive. "I want to lose weight" is another commonly heard request. Again I don't like this as you can be low in weight but unhealthy and wobbly or you can be high in weight and strong and lean. What people want to do is lose fat! Take this picture below for example. She gained 6.5 kilos and although the angles and clothes make a difference you can see a clear loss of fat and gaining of muscle. She has gained weight but it's fair to say she looks much better!

Anyway, all that aside I wanted to introduce you to three inspiring women who fought the battle of the bulge and won! They all took control into their own hands and worked their butts off to see, what I'm sure you'll agree, are amazing results. 

First things first, here's a little about their lives:

Kate Noonan 

Age: 32 

Married no children

Profession: Make Up Artist

Starting weight: 13.5 st 

Current weight: 10.5st 
Lowest weight: 9.5st

Emma Kierse

Age: 31

Married with two kids 14 and 3

Profession: Personal trainer at F.1.T Ballincollig Heaviest: 13 stone Currently: 9st 7lbs Lightest: 9st 3lbs ( 2weeks ago before hols 🙈)

Melissa Kelleher
Age: 31

In a relationship

Profession: Laboratory Analyst

Starting weight: 15st 2lbs

Current weight: 9st 4lbs

Lowest weight: 9st 4 lbs

Wow! They really are some impressive before and after pictures right? Well I'm sure you're all wondering how they did this? Read on to find out. I've included some info about their past history with weight, a lot of which will ring true to many readers. Everyone has their own reasons and stories behind not looking after themselves and so I felt it so important to include these details also.

Emma "As a child I was always on the big side, not hugely over weight but still over weight . It wasn't that my parents fed me crap food it was more that I just loved food and would eat a lot if it. I loved eating and thought about food all the time, it was actually what I got most excited about. If we were going somewhere as a family I'd automatically think about the food we would eat"

Kate "I had always struggled with my weight from an early age. I craved certain foods I was forbidden and then over indulged in them at every opportunity. I don't think I was lazy when it came to exercise, just perhaps dedication wavered when I became a teenager as boys and hanging out was more interesting. I had enjoyed gymnastics as a kid but my rapidly changing body shape saw me embarrassed to don a leotard after a certain age."

Melissa "Growing up my exercise was non existent! I never really thought about it besides the odd walk. I remember a few years ago going for a walk, it must only have been 5K and I had to stop and take a break, and then turn around! My biggest issue with food was just not thinking about what I was eating, I would have McDonalds for lunch and Chinese for dinner! I would probably have had about 5 takeaways a week! I went on shift in work and that was when I was at my heaviest as I was out of a routine and eating late at night, feeling sorry for myself so plenty of sweets and chocolate to make up for it!"

Any of that sound familiar? It sure does to me. I have also battled the bulge for years and that was the primary motivation for me setting up this blog. Check out my article about it here. I've often heard people say 'Oh it's easy for you, you're not fat' to which I usually reply 'because I work my butt off nearly every day to stay healthy and fit!' It's usually not what people want to hear!

So, the magic question. How did these women do it?

Melissa: I started watching Operation transformation in January 2014 and that just gave me the motivation. I saw all these people with children and a lot more commitments than me and I thought well if they can do it I can too. I used to eat so many takeaways and ready meals, processed foods and my portion sizes would be massive. A big thing that show helped me with was learning about food and how it affects your body, when you should eat fats, carbs, protein etc. I also began to exercise! I started the couch to 5k and I would recommend this to anybody! I will never be a marathon runner but it’s so good to get your fitness levels up from nothing to something. It was really tough at the start, I used to feel so embarrassed running and heavy breathing (which I still have). I think it is so easy to go out jogging when you are already fit and healthy, it is the heavier girls I see running that I have to admire. Everyone has to start somewhere. Plus its harder to run with extra weight! It's taken me over 2.5 years to shift this weight and it is continuous.

"Kate: "I did it through a weight loss specialist following a strict diet plan and exercise regime over a year and that work is continuous. Having felt like I tried everything and nothing had really worked or the results didn't last, I was ready to give up. I felt like I was an enigma, that there was something wrong with me and I just couldn't lose weight. I was fooling myself a little, however. I was always comparing myself to others and if I was eating less than them, I should be skinny. My sister (that's me! LifestyleJeanie) really taught me about the difference between skinny and healthy. Having seen her work so hard at it (rather than just be born "luckier" than me like a imagined) I thought it's now or never. Weight loss was slowing down as I got older and I needed one more stab at it or I felt I'd be stuck in an unhealthy cycle forever. I hired a trainer/nutritionist who worked with me tirelessly (and still does) to make sure it suits my lifestyle and is easy to manage."

Emma: "I lost a lot of weight when I was 14 but that was mainly due to not eating very much. When I was 17 I had my first son and piled on around 4 stone. I was uncomfortable and used food to comfort myself. I then lost every pound of that in 3 months on a diet of tuc crackers and fruit. I was probably consuming only 800 calories a day and did absolutely no exercise. It was unhealthy and just wasn't sustainable. Again the cycle of loosing weight and gaining it continued through my 20's. When my best friend asked me to be her maid of honour that was the push I needed. I had just had my second son and the weight was back on. I couldn't face the starvation again so I decided to try and do it the right way. F.1.T (a dedicated nutrition and training centre for fat loss, Ballincollig, Co. Cork, Ireland Link here) had recently opened and I had heard good things. I decided to give it a go. I lost weight for the wedding through their circuit classes and clean eating plans (a lot of eating, I was never hungry) and the week after the wedding I was back in the door to start P.T . I can honestly say it's the best thing I've ever done, it's the support and motivation from the trainers is what makes the difference. I believe it in so much I left my job and have now qualified as a personal trainer myself. I want other people to get the help and support I received to change my life."

It's so great to hear how all these ladies took control and decided to change their lives. One thing I've noticed from reading their stories is that they all ate lots of healthy food (no starvation or calorie restriction plans here!) and began to exercise more. You many not want to hear it but it really is that simple! Slow and steady wins the race.

For most people there is some trigger. Some moment that happens where they just decided that enough is enough. For Emma it was her best friend's wedding, for Kate it was 'one last chance to try and battle the bulge' as she felt it was just getting harder as she was getting older. For Melissa it was a combination of a few things. She talks about it here: "I think my main motivation was after your (Jean) wedding! I didn’t feel comfortable at all. I didn't feel pretty or nice and didn't want to feel like that anymore. And Operation Transformation as I said. Listening to their stories and hearing similarities to my life, I wanted to do something about it. Also, you motivated me so much at the start, you were so enthusiastic and pushed me to go running around the Lough! Even when I felt people were staring at me, you pushed me on. Made me do it. You were full of facts about food and cooking and how to eat properly. I wouldn’t be at this stage without you :D" Well thank you for your kind words Melissa. I appreciate it. However, all I did was encourage you, you are the one who did all the hard work. You should be proud!

So you can see their remarkable progress and hear their stories, now they are on the other side, but it's not all plain sailing. It is a long and hard process, often lonely at times. Here Kate talks about some of her struggles.

Kate "I think socialising was the toughest part of the whole thing. I socialise a lot and over indulgence in alcohol can have serious implications when your following a strict meal plan. It's about learning to either limit the number of drinks you consume and not over indulge during your hangover the next day or simply attend events and don't drink. This is harder then you think in Ireland!"

Melissa "I would say the temptation to just give up and eat, and definitely the guilt if I do have a treat! At the start it did take a while before I saw results and that was really hard you feel like you are going through so much effort for nothing. But stick with it. It will pay off!"

Emma "Finding the time was hard. I'm a busy mum and sometimes it was so easy to just give up. But I stuck with and started seeing the results. Now it's just part of my daily schedule. I don't even think about it"

 

So ladies what have you learned along the way and have you any advice for our readers?

Melissa "I have learned so much! Everyone is different and you need to find what works for you. I personally would not do the gym or PT sessions, I would find them intimidating and know I wouldn’t stick to set plans, but I know other people need this for motivation and it works very well. I’ve learned a lot about food, just because a cereal bar or yogurt says low-fat doesn't mean it's good for you or will help you lose weight. Sometimes you might as well have a bag of crisps! Check the labels of things you eat, read everything. Become aware of what you're putting in your mouth and where it comes from. I don’t know how many times I have went to pick something up, read the back and put it back. Sugar content especially look out for. I would rather have a small chocolate bar than lots of processed foods that are full of sugar.  

As for advice I say this all the time when people ask me 'How did you do it? Tell us the secret!' Please have patience and know it’s not a 12 day cleanse or a 6 week challenge, it’s for life. If you want the weight to come off and stay off while still having a diet and lifestyle that you enjoy and can manage, then you should be happy with losing a pound or even a half a pound a week. When you think about it that’s not a lot, but you need to know it will take a long time. Remember 52 weeks is 52lbs, that’s nearly four stone!
I have no big secret that’s what worked for me, I still have a calorific dinner once a week and the
odd bar of chocolate and I stay off the beer now, mostly! But you can still have a GnT! (Am I right
Jean :D) If you stay healthy and consistent all the other days and get into a routine it WILL happen!! If you get your fitness levels up you will look forward to a walk (I’ll never look forward to running!) or a quick HIIT session in front of the TV. It will set you up for the day. When you have done some exercise and you are feeling good you won't want to spoil it with indulging in chocolate or chips. I go for the healthier option then and the cycle continues."

Kate "I have learned that I'm capable if I just put my mind to it. I know it would be easier not to but the quality of life I know enjoy is worth every drop of sweat in the gym and hour spent meal prepping. I would advise anyone starting out on this journey that preparation is key. Food plan, meal prep, even having your gym bag by the door, ready the night before. It's the only way to not slip up. If you do break routine and eat something you shouldn't or skip a day in the gym get over it and move on. Tomorrow is a new day. If you got a flat tyre in your car you wouldn't slash the other three would you? Don't sabotage yourself. You also don't have to start a diet on a Monday!"

Emma "If I was to give anyone advice it would be get a trainer who understands what you're going through and who wants it for you just as much as you want it yourself. Dedication and hard work reap the rewards. Starting is the hard part but once you do, you'll find it very hard to stop! Sometimes taking a few jumps is better than one giant leap so start slow and build up"

It's easy to see these ladies amazing physical transformations. Knowing them personally I would say the biggest difference I have noticed is their confidence and self esteem. They are now caring for their bodies and minds each day and so they are now in a position to be happy in their own skin and love themselves the way they deserve. No more feeling inferior and inadequate. Just three wonderful, beautiful, healthy women.

Emma "My energy levels are through the roof! I feel so great. But the main difference is I am healthy and happy. This has all lead to me no longer being unhappy, it's never too late people! You can do it too. Loosing weight is only one benefit that you can see. All the other ones appear once you start"

Kate "I now can wear the clothes I want to wear and not the clothes I have to wear. I feel like I don't stand out any more and don't feel like the elephant (quite literally) in the room. It has helped my self confidence majorly although I still have some more work left to do on that. I particularly love being strong. Everyday life is just easier and more enjoyable when you are strong and full of energy. I suffered with a touch of persistent acne for years and have managed to clear it and keep it clear in the past year. My nails are the longest and strongest they've ever been, my hair is thick and strong. Believe it or not, I tan better now. Perhaps from my high fat diet? I definitely find I sleep better too. I worry less and have more energy. 

Melissa "I have collar bones now! And cheekbones! But seriously it’s the best thing I have ever done. It’s not easy, I still have days where I want to binge and eat everything around me, especially when I’m upset or stressed, and then there are other days where I just couldn’t be bothered to exercise. But it is all worthwhile. I'm not out of breath going up the stairs any more. And people are so nice and complimentary too which is great motivation. Once people start to notice you have lost a bit of weight, you will forget all the temptation and bad days! It's the best motivation. I feel good, I feel happy and that's the main thing. It's all worth it."

So three different stories, three different motivations, three different women but always the same technique. Eat well, exercise often and it is a continuous process that you need to commit to for the long haul. It really is that simple!

A special thanks to Melissa, Kate and Emma for being so brave by sharing their stories. I am extremely proud of them and they now motivate me daily - the bitches are passing me out! I need to keep up ;)

We are all here to answer any of your questions if you have felt inspired by these stories. Comment below or on my Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat.

Home Sweet Home - Cork Boi!

You may have read a previous post on here about how I stay healthy while travelling (if not you can read it HERE). I try and take lots of healthy snacks with me that are light and compact and are perfectly safe to take in hand luggage. I also bring my trusty re-usable bottle which, once empty, is allowed on board and gets past even the toughest of security scanners! You can then refill your bottle in a drinking fountain or restaurant free of charge and it means you always have access to fresh, hydrating water. You also save money as you aren't paying airport prices for mini bottles of water! Anyway that is all outlined in the previous post if you want to take a look. Fly away with me!

Last weekend I flew home from Germany to spend a long weekend at home catching up with friends and family. I can't tell you how good it was to catch up with everyone face to face and have lots of cuddles! I have made some amazing friends here in Germany, some of whom I consider family! but you just can't beat that feeling of being home. I am a proud Cork lady and really miss the fresh, healthy produce of home. Sometimes it takes moving away to appreciate how lucky we are in Ireland to have so much good quality and local food.

While at home I attended two Yoga Workshops with my friend and teacher Lalit Kumar of Himalaya Yoga Valley Cork in their new and spacious centre on Penrose Warf. As a yoga teacher it is so important to remain practising regular yoga yourself and to constantly improve both your own practise and teaching skills. It's almost one year on from my graduation as a yoga teacher with Himalaya Yoga Valley in Goa and I can honestly say it's been an amazing and interesting year. Watch out for my post next week recapping on my 6 weeks spent in India and how my life has changed since.

I didn't take any pictures I'm afraid as that's not a very yogic thing to do! I was genuinely so caught up in the present moment in class that I wasn't even thinking about the blog!  I also gave a Yoga for CrossFit workshop at CrossFit Cork where I used to teach and train. It was great to see everyone again and to teach some of my old students.

I ate some lovely meals, while catching up with friends and family and made a massive effort to eat as much local produce as possible. I met some work mates in The River Lee Hotel which is spacious and has good parking facilities which is perfect for people with children. I got the Taste of Cork tasting board with a glass of house red and it was delicious! All Cork meats and cheeses with some fig chutney and grapes. My only complaint was the red wine was served in a very small glass. I'm happy with the amount of wine (I just wanted a taste!) but I do like my red wine in a glass the size of my head! It just feels nicer.

I also went and got my hair cut in my favourite salon Sobe Brown, I can highly reccommend Pam and KT the Owner and head stylist in there. Not only are they lovely to deal with they are really talented. As are all their staff. You will leave with wonderful hair and a smile on your face as there is such a friendly atmosphere in there. As they say in their marketing "Sobe Brown...it's a feeling" and this is very true. On top of all that they give you a drinks list when you go in which includes two of my favourite drinks (on my favourites list for 2 very different reasons!). How is a girl supposed to chose between Prosecco and Green Tea!? On this occasion I chose the later as it was early in the day and I was anticipating that glass of red as big as my head!

I then went home to share a lovely "healthy" take away with my sister and share a bottle of red before bed. We went to Ramen for the Thai street food take away and I usually try and order something packed with veggies and coconut milk as it's so good for you. No take away is ever healthy but if you have to chose then Thai food is typically the best. We finished off with a tub of NoBó Icecream which is so delicious! Made in Ireland using Coconut milk, avocado, sweetened with honey and then flavours such as Chocolate and toasted Almond, Coconut Vanilla and my favourite, Fresh Lemon. This is a tasty and healthy diary free ice-cream. 

Some other establishments that I visited were one of my all time favourites The Rocket Man. If you live in Cork and have never been here you are missing out! I've heard people give out that it's expensive, well there is a reason for that! All the foods are fresh, produced locally and packed with nutrition and flavour. I felt a cold coming on so I went in here to get a green juice and asked for extra Ginger to help fight it off. €5 for a large, fresh juice (it is made right in front of you and you can see the amount of food that goes into it!). Not only that it comes in a completely compost-able, take away container so you can sip on your lovely juice guilt free. They also do amazing salad pots with the most delicious toppings as well as selling locally made cordials, healthy bars and snacks and healthy, tasty slushies!

Right across the street (Prince's Street) from Rocket Man is one of my other all time favourite shops in Cork. Iago is the most amazing Italian inspired Deli selling stunning local and continental cheeses, preserves, fresh pasta and some deli meats. You can find top quality cheeses here from 10 miles away from the shop right up to Italy's classics. They have a massive range or organic cheeses from cow, sheep and goat. I brought home as much as I could fit and apologies to anyone sitting near me on the plane that smell wasn't me...it was the cheese!

On my walk around the city I also came across another Salad Bar called Loving Salads. This Salad Bar had a range of fresh, home-made salads as well as home made treats and snacks. Similar enough to Rocket Man in it's operation. Their menu was varied and lengthy with clear markings of what is Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan and Diary Free. It makes me so happy that establishments like this are opening up as clearly there is a demand for fresh, healthy and tasty food. Be gone Fast Food Chains!

On my way from Germany to Ireland and back again, I have a 4 hour wait in Stanstead Airport. I could think of other places to spend 4 hours but alas this is the easiest and cheapest way for me to get back. I've done it so many times now I'm a pro and know all the good places to eat and drink. It's easy to stay healthy when travelling you just have to make the effort. I usually eat in a restaurant called Giraffe which is sandwiched between Burger King and Witherspoons (two of my most loathed eateries!). So this is my healthy mecca. On the way out it was evening and so I grabbed my dinner here. They do a range of healthy options including what I got which was a Green Smoothie packed with greens and goodness. Along with sweet potato fries, a bunless Mexican burger (they have a whole range of bunless burgers on the menu, just ask) which was a fillet of chicken with chrizo, guacamole, and cheese on top which came with a side salad. Delicious and really filled me up for the rest of the journey home.

On the way back to Germany I had to get a very early flight to Stanstead and so I decided to get breakfast here. They have a really nice brekkie menu including lots of side so you can esentially build your own breakfast which was just what I did! I had another green smoothie, 2 eggs, some avocado, wheat free granola with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. It was delicious and not too expensive (by airport standards!)

As I said it was just lovely being home and getting to catch up wit all my friends. It's good for the soul to be surrounded by those you know, love and grew up with. I got to breath the fresh Irish air and really appreciate all Cork has to offer.

Of course I got the best welcome home from Eamon who was so happy to have me back and gave me extra cuddles to compensate!

Tuesday's Change Week 38 - Total Body Work out

I've been crazy busy the last few months with working full time, teaching yoga in the evenings, social events and just busy with life in general. My workout regime was the first thing to suffer. I just 'didn't have time to exercise'.

This is probably one of the most common complaints I hear and it is one I can relate to. But fear not I have a solution! I recently came across this work out on youtube. I can honestly say it's one of the best I've seen for overall body work out, strength building and cardio with no equipment needed and only 35 minutes long, including warm up and (too short I feel!) cool down. You don't need masses of space and this work out can be done in your living room, bed room, when you are travelling or even on your lunch break from work!

I did this yesterday and my butt is in agony! I'm dreading tomorrow when the dreaded 2 day DOMS sink in (read more on this in my blog post here). But this is good pain. A sign that I worked my muscles and made myself stronger.

So this week's change I want you to try and do this work out:

4-5 times this week (if you do no other physical activity)
2-3 times this week (if you do other physical activity)

Click above to do the video or click on this link here

So that is only 35 minutes out of your 24 hour day and trust me you'll be feeling on top of the world afterwards. You will be sore for the first day or so but take it at your own pace, using the modifications she provides and always listen to your body.

I hope you all like this as much as I do!

ElleBelle Fit Leggings - A Yoga Teacher's review

I recently bought some new exercise leggings. I squealed when I received a beautifully wrapped box in the post. I felt like a kid on Christmas Day opening it. Inside was an electric blue, waved, tissue paper sealed with a lovely sticker, wrapped around my wonderful, new leggings!

As a yoga instructor and lover of all things fitness, exercise clothes take up a massive part of my wardrobe. What do I look for?

Durability 

Comfort 

Style 

Value for Money 

and most importantly no 

Camel Toe, no See thoroughness and no Losing their shape.

I've tried and tested them all from Pennys/Primarks finest to high end famous brands. I've learned one thing - Cheap ones fade, become baggy and worst of all get see through! No one wants to squat in those! It's one thing if you are down the back of a studio in your local gym but a whole different story if you're up the front being the teacher and people are staring at your crotch for the majority of the class!

I was delighted with my Jamica print leggings from Elle Belle Fit. This company was founded by Kate, an Irish girl from West Cork, who moved to Australia 4 years ago and developed a passion for all things health and fitness. She has always loved fashion and fell in love with the beautiful fitness brands in Australia. She made it her mission to bring these beautiful designers to the very fashionable ladies of Europe as she firmly believes you can look great when you work out and quality is QUEEN! All the brands on ElleBelle Fit are handpicked by her for their beautiful designs and amazing technical performance. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and drool over the stunning styles and range of fitness clothing.

You can buy a pair of these leggings yourself here for the great value price of €60. People often comment that this is expensive but when you think about it if you are anyway into fitness you will wear these at least twice a week and so to me that is a bargain! The online shop is also packed full of other wonderful leggings, shorts, tops, sports bras, jackets and much, much more. Check it out here.

As you can see from the pics I thoroughly road tested these leggings. From teaching in them to jogging, cycling, going to a fitness class and even during my own personal yoga practise. I have washed them at least 20 times and they are still as good as new. Here are some benefits in summary:

Never see through

Don't slip down - no tugging at the waist

Style of the print is fun and unusual

Lightweight and very breathable - perfect for warmer days or in warmer climates

Dry quickly after the wash

So comfortable - like a second skin

Value for money

They hold their shape - no sagging

The only negative I can think of is as they are so lightweight and breathable they may become see through eventually. As I've said I've washed them numerous times and still no fade or sign of going that way so I'll just have to wait and see. I'll keep doing the squat check in front of my husband and report back if they do! 

From the professional service, lovely packaging, value for money, wonderful designs and comfort and durability I can highly recommend not only these Jamaica leggings but also Elle Belle Fit and all their staff.