What to buy and where to buy it

Thought I'd jot down some recent findings on the gym clothes front- I am always on a hunt for bargain gymware to ease the washing debates in our flat (rich constantly moans about how much washing I create).

I think there are some things you can scrimp on when it comes to gym clothes- and some things you can't. Tesco trainers- probably a no (although my dad did run a half marathon in a pair from Tesco he bought that day- who forgets their trainers to run a half marathon?!). My brooks trainers are the most expensive shoes I've ever owned. 😢

But when it comes to bras, tops and bottoms I like to mix it up with sports direct, super market, decathlon and high street retailers. There is also great gym clothes at TK MAXX if you are willing to hunt a little. 

My outfit today sports the following:

Karrimor joggers (sports directs own brand- careful of the was/now pricing as it can be not as good a deal as you think!). Always do the hand test when buying bottoms- ARE THEY SEE THROUGH? I don't want to see your barely covered bum during the downward facing dog. 

£20ish 

Tesco tshirt- picked up for the princely sum Of £3 in their sale whilst picking up some booze- excellent. (NB always try to grab sportswear on sale- it doesn't go out of fashion so get yourself a bargain) 

New sports bra from primark! Probably wouldn't run a marathon in it but it's comfortable enough for a gym session and they have some great colours for the bargain of £5-£6! (Eat your heart out Nike).

Lots it say about clothes so will do a few more posts soon! 

Han 

Focus

Do you find yourself wondering around the gym getting distracted or looking at the news mid sets?!

I'm always getting distracted by my

Phone- hence writing this whilst stretching my glutes...

Top tip from Rich is to time the breaks between your sets- make your phone useful rather than a distraction!! I do 30 Seconds between sets but rich does 1 minute so you pick! Helps keep you focused on recovery rather than reading the latest blog from your favourite fitness blog.... 

Han 

Cauliflower "rice"

It seems to be that every man and his dog are loving healthy eating at the

Moment- I bet the sales of spiralizers are up ten fold on last year. 

The latest craze is for pretending things are things that they aren't. In comes cauliflower rice... 

I have been eating cauliflower rice for a fair while now and I've got to say I love it... No it doesn't taste like lovely fluffy carby rice but nor does it have the calories and it is a perfect substitution for the evening in particular (cutting carbs out in the evening is one of the more effective ways of losing weight- I try to have my carbs for lunch and limit it in the evening (unless I'm eating out, can't be bothered or fancy carbs of course.) 

So how to cook? 

I've tried toasting it and this works but takes time... Last night I tried microwaving it- works a treat. 

Simply blend a cauliflower ( without the green bits obvs) in a food processor pour into a bowl- cover and microwave for about 3.5 mins. 

Last night we had ours with Turkey chilli (beefs less well known but lighter minced friend) and a sprinkle of Parmesan (a good substitution for cheddar as you don't need as much).

Next post on spiralizing- I'm a bit slow off the mark- mines just been delivered. 

Sweet potato skins

So I spend most of my life eating sweet potato wedges (baked with a few spritzes of fry light and seasoned with paprika, chilli flakes salt and pepper).

I fancied switching it up a bit and made sweet potato skins last night- they were really tasty and good for next day lunch too so thought I would share for a healthy lunch or dinner idea!! 

Sweet potato skins

Bake sweet potatoes in the oven for about 40 mins (bake with a spray of fry light and a bit of salt)

Whilst they are baking- fry some bacon (fat cut off) with Salem red onion, mushrooms and anything else you've got lying about! 

Potatoes come out- leave to cool then scoop out the sweet potato leaving the skins intact. 

Mix everything together with a bit of natural yoghurt before returning the skins. Add a touch of grated cheese on top and return to oven for 15 mins.

Serve with salad.

Nice healthy dinner- rich was happy anyway! (Pictured a particularly cheesy one - don't use this much cheese if watching waist line!!!!)

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!!