23.

This Girl Can:

On 11^th March at Brockington College, you should get your mum, daughter, sisters and all of your girlfriends together for a girls' night out with a twist!

This Girl Can is a national campaign, developed by Sport England and a wide range of partnership organisations. It is a celebration of active women up and down the country who are doing their own thing no matter how well they do it, how they look, or even how red their face gets.

Personally, I love this campaign, encouraging women to do what they want, however they look.

It's great!

Looks should be secondary to making yourself not only healthier, but happier and a lot more energetic.

In aid of LOROS, jump, lunge and leap yourself into this night.

What's there?

• Taster sessions including: Zumba, Legs, Bums&Tums, Insanity and Yoga.
• Mass Clubbersize – not to be missed!
• Challenge Zone
• Health/ Beauty Treatments
• Info Stalls
• Complimentary Drink and Buffet

So not only is there tasters of a new lifestyle that you could jump into, but there's free food too!

The tickets are only £5, this includes a goody bag and a t-shirt, there's no reason not to come!

This is all in aid of LOROS, a local charity, every year caring for over 2,500 people across Leicestershire and Rutland. Providing free, high quality care and support for terminally ill adult patients, their family and carers.

If you would like to book a place then please visit:

www.lrsport.org/thisgirlcan

01509 564888

info@lrsport.org

22.

Pub Grub: Yes or No

Everyone loves to eat out, to indulge themselves on something delicious.
But some pubs have been claiming that they’re changing, that they’re healthy and suitable for any diet.

I am not one to believe this.
To me, pub food is and will always be stodgy, and something to eat when you need cheering up.

There are always ways to make your meal healthier when you’re eating out; some are listed below thanks to NHS Change4Life:

•         Try swapping fried rice for steamed rice, or fried noodles for boiled noodles. You could take this one step further and go for steamed dished on the menu containing vegetables, chicken or fish.
•         Dishes made of tomato or vegetable sauces usually contain less fat than ones with creamy sauces. Try swapping your usual curry for a madras or tandoori dish when you’re eating out.
•         When you’re having pizza, swap your usual cheese stuffed crust with a thin, crispy crust instead and choose lower fat toppings such as chicken, prawns and vegetables.
•         When picking a starter, change your usual fried starter like prawn toasts for something like soup. Soup will contain less fat and will fill you up, which means you’re less likely to eat your entire main course.
•         If you usually have an alcoholic drink with your meal, choose the smaller size! This way you will most likely drink less, which means less calories, and you might save a few pennies too.
•         If you’re eating out, some restaurants offer free refills of fizzy drinks with your meal. This makes it easier for you and your children to consume more calories and more grams of sugar. Try asking for a jug of water on the table instead of refills, this is free too!
•         You don’t always have to miss out on your favourite take-aways. When you really are craving good grub, swap for the ‘low fat’ option.

To explore the Pub world further I spoke to Simon Pick, the owner of the pub, The Plough, Littlethorpe.  I asked him all about his food and the health industry, our conversation goes as follows:

“Do you think that your food is healthy?”
Simon replied: “I think it is. You can always improve things, but we always try and get things like sour cream, all of our dips, low fat.
“I don’t think that when people come here for a meal they generally think about the health aspects of the food, they just want to come out and stodge."

I asked: “Has anything changed in the industry recently?”
He said: “The industry has become a lot tougher, and no one makes as much money as they would do, it is very competitive.
“Everyone has to have an angle to get customers in, our angle is that everything is home cooked, we don’t buy any of our meals in, this means that we can get away with charging slightly more for our meals.

“There has also been a legislation change in allergens. On our menu’s we now have to state that if you do have an allergy, you can ask and we will tell you whether our food contains it.
“We don’t all have to know what every meal contains but we must be able to find out. That is the only thing that has changed massively, the most prominent thing.”

I also asked: “I know that schools have had to be governed, they have had to change salt content and include vegetables in every meal. Has anything like that changed in the pubs?”

Simon replied: “We are not governed like in schools. However, we do get customers asking to put no salt on their chips. Because everything is homemade, we can change how much salt is in our cooking.

“Because every batch of our food is different, the pies for example, one may have a little bit more salt in than another. So a customer may come in one time, have a pie, and say it has too much salt in, and then come in another and say it is perfect.
“Salt content is something that we are very much aware of and we can also advise about.”

My last question was: “Is the food market in pubs really competitive around here?”
Simon said: “Around here, it is very competitive. Every pub or eatery has a different angle. Ours is that all of our food is homemade.
“The Narborough Arms is cheap and cheerful; you get what you pay for. The Dovecote is higher end than other pubs in this area, and is more of a dining experience and they do charge a little more than the rest of us. And finally the last one is Spice 45 and that’s completely different as it is a curry house.

“We have recently had to put our prices up because of the competition around the area. This is the first time we have had to do it in 18 months.”

If you do want to go out for healthy food, there are healthier options that you can pick. However, if you are on a health kick, then steer clear of the pubs. Yes, go out and enjoy yourself as much as you can, however, if you do want to tone your body and lose some weight, the pub is not the way to go.

http://www.nhs.uk/change4life

18.

FMP.

I'm currently writing a whole magazine on health and fitness for my final project at college.
So, I thought I'd give you a little taster of my article about The Race For Life:

How did we train?

We all wanted to train together as we were all running for the same cause. We trained twice a week, as a group, and once a week on our own.

In the group sessions, we would stretch thoroughly and then start our session, starting fairly easy at the start of the year. For instance one week we would run for 30 seconds and then walk for 45, repeating the cycle for 30 minutes.

We would run or jog slowly all together, never leaving anyone behind, to help our bodies adjust to the training.

In the training sessions on our own we would work at our own pace trying to improve on our personal fitness.

We would each track our progress by using apps on our phone. The two I would highly recommend are: “Nike Running” and “Run keeper” these can be found on any smartphone.

These apps would tell us how far we have ran and at what pace. This is very handy as if you are going slower than you wish, you can up your speed as it talks to you whilst you’re running!

We did have to buy some running gear. My advice for this would be: don’t go for the expensive stuff if you’re not serious. The branded clothing and workout gear will last you longer and does the job a lot better, but if you think you’re going to quit then don’t commit!

To start with, you will need to buy some leggings/shorts, and a sports bra. These are the basics; you can put an old top or jumper over your bra and go!

Obviously you will need some trainers, make sure that they fit perfectly, to small and you will hurt your toes and feet, too big and you won’t be able to run without tripping over! If you’re not sure, get a shop assistant to help you.

Advice for training:

·        If you haven’t ran before then I suggest that you find a plan online or from a gym, this will give you a starting block. This way, you will be able to start to build up your fitness without hurting yourself.

·        I also advise that you have a running buddy, whether this be a friend, a pet or just your music, it is very helpful to have something there to take your mind off of what you are doing.

·        If you are using music then I suggest that you create a playlist. Because if you’re anything like me then you will be flicking through songs instead of running!

·        Run in the mornings; get an early start, this will almost trick your mind into what your body is doing. In addition to this, you will get the best weather, not too hot neither too cold.

·        The most important tip is to get your breathing down. Make sure you’re not panting throughout; this will mean you can’t run as long. I wouldn’t try to talk or even sing whilst you’re running; this will seriously affect your distance.

17.

This post does not have a name.
Its just thoughts. 
If I don't voice them, I know for a fact that I will get very poorly, not just in the physical sense.

Its about people, humans, you and me.
I'm not saying I'm 100% an angel, I know that I'm not and I know that I'd done some awful things in just 18 years.
But I know now, that I care for everyone else's feelings, I think before I post something, say something, do something. 

If you know that someone has been through terrifying experiences, personal experiences that have shaped their life, you don't bring it up.
You have to nurture that being until their happy, until they are almost sane again.

If a puppy was abused, it would be sent to the most loving home that anyone could give.
So why should it be different for us?

Why don't you think before you speak, I know I'm not perfect, and I know that I am still not 100% yet.
However, I do know that in the past two years I have excelled in everything that I have done:
I've had three successful jobs and I'm now a part time junior reporter.
I've moved college and I'm achieving distinction stars.
I've changed my eating and exercise habits so that I'm not in danger anymore.

I know that the world can be a terrible place some of the time, but I also know that we, ourselves can make it a better and more bearable experience for some people.
Why don't you post something nice, instead of an indirect comment about someone, even though you know it will hurt them.
Why don't you put your phone down instead of texting someone something you know will make them rethink their life.

Why would you want to make someone else's life a misery?If you don't like them, leave them be!

Anyway, on a lighter note:
I'm running 5KM tomorrow with a water infection so that should be much fun. Wish me luck, I will be writing an article following that too.

My Complete Idol

12.

Happy Days

So proud of myself.

When I applied for the race for life my aim was to complete the race in 25 minutes.

Today, I ran 5.5KM in 31 minutes, which is about 3/4 minutes off my target. I am so happy.

A break from running and from positivity did make me stronger. Additionally I had a rest day yesterday, so no exercise apart from walking around college from 8-5. 

I can't express how happy I am for myself.

Apart from doubts in my mind which I think will never go away, I actually think I will be able to complete this, with all my friends and family around me I am happier than ever.

My aim now is to stop burdening myself with everyone else's problems, I need to relax and be a little selfish now.

11.

Only Upward Spirals

After having a long week of downward spirals, it was my worst yet, I would like to say that I am now feeling positive again, but that's not entirely true.

I was at my lowest last week, being alone in the house, having nothing to do, just made me over think everything.

Life.

Why am I here?

Last week I made some terrible choices, and I hope I never get that low again, that I have to repeat that.

I have been running and eating as usual but just couldn't bring myself to share my experiences with the whole world just yet.

I am getting better, but I would say that I am 100% right now.

I will be blogging regularly again.

Hopefully this downward spiral will just make me stronger.

My Gym

Inspiration

8.

Leader of the pack

Going running with the whole 'crew' doing the race for life: Mum, Kirstin (My sister) and Suzanne, I was the designated leader and therefore I had to run back and forward giving everyone pointers and telling them what they were doing wrong.

Although we only ran 4.5k it was a whole new workout in itself.

Half way through Kirstin got cramps in her calves, this is when we realized that she runs like Phoebe (If anyone has seen this episode of friends it was hilarious), or like a puppet. 

In addition to this, my mums knee restraint stopped her circulation. So, I was the one who had to run home with it in my hand just waving about.

However Suzanne who is the oldest of all of us, surprised me, she has a lot of stamina and rarely had to stop. 

I have belief in all of us, however this could be a long journey to help them all run 5k without stopping.

Food-wise, after giving up crisps for lent, I have had a MASSIVE blow-out. Bank holiday monday I ate at least four packets of crisps. So today I was on a low again and therefore my diet has started again. I have positive thoughts and hopefully I can do this now. 

This is very helpful, I recommend to anyone.

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/

7.

Lets get serious

No one is a fitness freak, no. 

Someone may make it a habit to run, to stay healthy or lean, but nobody is that obsessed about something.

After this side of the week, not eating well, I feel bad about myself and yes, this makes me want to run, as far and as long as I can. 

So that's what I'll probably do, tomorrow when I'm back on it I will get lost in my exercise and fitness because of how I feel, because that's how my mind works.

I went into Leicester town last night, yes I was drinking and yes, I do know how many calories are in alcohol, but sometimes, you need to let your hair down! However, after the state that my friends were in, I have no intention of going again soon. 

So it's time to start my serious training for the Race For Life. 

Running 4 times a week, and lean meat and vegetables only, this time I will stick to it, no one will stop me this time!

I'm so excited to start training,

BRING IT ON!

6.

Couch Potato

Exercising is all well and good, but when you train, you ache, and therefore you need a rest day.

So mine was today.

Joined by my very good friend Turaya Jones, we sat all day, under a blanket and watched awful daytime TV.

Drinking green tea (Obviously) and Camille (which is my new favourite) we put our aching legs up for the day and laughed at Vines, scrolled through Facebook and Tweeted to our hearts content.

In my opinion it is VERY important to have a rest day, not only your mind needs to rest but your muscles too. Your muscles need time to repair and in the process they will get stronger and as a result you'll be able to go even further.

Tomorrow, while I'm running, I will be judging whether this is actually the truth and I will write it in my next blog. 

In addition to an exercise rest, I've had a diet rest. 

Whilst drinking buckets of tea, we ate sushi and Thorntons chocolate whilst lounging on the sofa.

Today was a good day, but I'm hoping training tomorrow will be even better!

Bring on tomorrow!

Favourite Workout Song

5.

31MPH

While the wind was blowing 31MPH this morning I still ran.

Although I was being blown around the little streets of Enderby,feeling that I was indoor sky diving, it still felt amazing to run. 

3.77km in 20 minutes, I didn't think that was too bad. 

Yesterday wasn't a good day for me, after an unsuccessful doctors appointment I went downhill in myself. Whilst being swallowed up in my own emotions I didn't want to be around anyone and therefore I distanced myself from my family and stayed in my room all night.

Feeling slightly better today after some retail therapy though!

£50 isn't bad for 4 items I guess.

I'm bored of doing the same thing day in, day out. I run, I blog, I sit. 

I want to try new things, I want to freshen up my life, yeah, going up into town at night is all well and good but what should I do in the daytime?

Any Suggestions?

Be Positive

4.

10 000 steps

After a doctors appointment, which I had to run for because my mum got the time wrong, I went on a very long run.

I felt better than I ever have before, after not being even slightly out of breath at 5km I decided to carry on further than I have before. 

I ran 7.25km in 40 minutes which is really good as I did not stop, it doesn't matter what you look like or what you do you just have to do it!

Within the first five minutes of running I came across a group of young lads who were in full tracksuits just walking down the road. As I ran past them, they comically mimicked how I was running. But this did not make me upset or stop me from running. It made me want to do it faster and harder.

Its for the people like this that I want a good body, I want them to see me in 6 months and say "WOW!". I want all the people that have ever said a bad word about me to take it back.

After an unsatisfying doctors appointment, I will make it my aim to better myself in every way. I want to eat clean 24/7 and exercise even more.

I've eaten a bowl of cheerio's (such a child) and had around 4 Green teas (I am obsessed as they allow your stomach to bloat less.) and 9172 steps completed. 

Feeling positive and 828 steps to go!