Get a grip!!!

I can't lie about it. I'm struggling to get my healthy mojo back. 

After a two week holiday and lots of social occasions I am confronted with easter and my favourite of all things- chocolate. And for some reason Easter egg chocolate just tastes the absolute best.

So in order to make myself feel better ive been hitting the gym hard- 5 times a week. I do go 5 times a week anyway but I think it's really important to maintain this- rather than just thinking f*** it- ive eaten way too much so might as well except my punishment- and pile on the pounds. 

I guess the message is if you've got to eat badly- at least try and burn some of it off!!! I can't not socialise- and I can't not eat Easter eggs- I'm sorry- it's just not possible. 

But I can run harder and lift heavier to try to compensate if only a little!! 

Happy Easter people! 

Here's a picture of me in the gym earlier doing some bad ass abs routine- tip of the day- add weight to everything you do!!! 

Excuses, excuses!!!

There is always a reason not to get your exercise in- please see below my favourite tried and tested ones:

1. It's too cold outside

2. I didn't sleep very well

3. I've had a late night 

4. I'M HUNGOVER

5. I can't be bothered to pack my stuff 

6. I've got a headache 

7. I'm busy later so I'm conserving my energy

8. I'm tired 

9. People will look at me- I don't know what I'm doing 

10. Everyone else is super fit in the gym

Can it, stop it, go!!!! 

I've used all of the above and nowadays I am lucky that going to the gym is part of my routine so I am on autopilot. I go regardless of how I feel, how much I ache, or how tired I am- and i ALWAYS feel better for it. 

The biggest thing about first getting into any exercise is to conquer THE FEAR! It took me months to pluck up the courage to go swimming on my own but once I had done it a few times it was fine. 

And I know to a lot of people gyms are really scary and you walk around not really knowing what to do. We've all been there- it sucks but just pretend to know what you're doing and you'll find that people will look at you wondering where you learnt your bad ass moves ;-) 

I use YouTube and women's fitness magazine for inspiration- if I am trying something new sometimes I practise at home to makesure ive got the technique and avoid dropping weights on my face or something at the gym.

You build up a repertoire of exercises in the gym over a long period of time so start off small wth things you know- do some cardio, lunges, squats, crunches- don't put pressure on yourself to brave the machines until you feel confident! (Took me months!)

Yesterday I spent 3 minutes solidly trying to put my feet in the stirrups of the TRX. I looked up and some buff gym guy was laughing so I just looked at him and laughed too... I then contemplated running away but I perceeded and after another painful minute of wallowing around on the floor like a beached manatee I got my foot in and amazed him with my TRX skills (in my

Head I did anyway!)

So... Stop making excuses and get your exercise in whatever it is!! Be

Prepared, pack the night before (even if you aren't intending the go as your packed bag will make you feel guilty and is one less excuse!)

And! Tell everyone when you've done some exercise and are proud- why shouldn't you brag!!! 

(Writing this from the gym floor FYI ;-) )

HOW TO EAT ON HOLIDAY

So it's been a good few weeks since my last blog post- sorry guys!! We have been on holiday in Thailand visiting our friends which was amazing. We basically ate and drank all day- squeezed in some shopping, sunbathing and sight seeing as well. 

I once read a blog about how to keep trim whilst on holiday- it alluded to swimming lengths of the pool- steering clear of cocktails/beer (swapping for straight spirits and soda) and other such sensible swaps. Tres bore. On holiday I have mainly been- not swimming in the pool- drinking at least 3 cocktails a day and eating enough rice, curry and carbs to feed a small army. Not to mention the ice cream. Oh and fruit juice (steer clear normally for sure but who can resist lychee juice?!)

I see it as this- I eat healthy and work out a lot. On holiday, I therefore have fun and throw caution to the wind (felt good in my bikini the first few days and now wobblier than I care to admit). But it's not as though I've undone all the hard work ive ever done- just put it on hold for a couple of weeks and now I'll get back into it- simples. 

In true HMG form just done a great food shop ready to get back to healthy eating and working on my guns. Ha. 

The next few images I apologise for- yes everything tasted as good as it looked and no I don't feel an ounce of guilt. The food in Bangkok is amazing- lots of ace thai food and also great western food- evidence below. 😁😁😁

Personal highlight- all you can drink cocktails, beer and wine with all you can eat pizza and pasta for £20- including steak and a desert. I had 15 cocktails- whoops (well you have to get your monies worth don't you?!).

More, much healthier blogs to come this week- promise!!