Monday, 29 June 2015

June Favourites

As if it’s the end of another month. Where the f**k is 2015 going?

June has been an…interesting month. A lot emotional highs and lows, whilst trying out a new way of eating and another bloody injury. All I can say is BRING. ON. JULY.

The last month has brought some good stuff with it though, and with that is mind, here’s a few of my faves from the past four weeks or so. 

Scales
Yes. Scales. Kitchen scales at that (not the sad step, no, never that). This completely boring piece of kitchen equipment has revolutionised my month in a weird kinda way. I’ve been dabbling with tracking my macros (coming soon to a blog post near you) and without the scales, I would’ve basically powered my way through a 1kg tub of Almond Butter in a week whilst thinking ‘but these are healthy fats!’ Almond Butter is indeed a healthy fat, but not when you trough your way through it without giving it second thought. The scales have been ace for helping me with portion size and, after two weeks or following a sort-of macro plan, I’ve already noticed changes in my body shape and energy levels. Go scales!

Yes, I have joined the MFP crew. As I’m following a certain way of eating, tracking it has been incredibly helpful with helping me to analyse my diet and seeing when having certain foods works best for me (carbs in the AM all the way). Another ace feature of MFP is the fact you can pop in your favourite recipes and it shows you the nutritional breakdown and how your favourite foods can fit in with your nutrition plan. I've been doing this with things like my Paleo Sweet Potato Bread and favourite Madeleine Shaw energy balls, to track there content and the best time to eat them. I wouldn't say I would use this religiously everyday day going forward, as it is quite time consuming, but if you have a certain goal/weight you're trying to reach, this is for you.

All hail the #girlgains. I’ve been lifting weights for nearly a year now, and it hasn’t just changed my body, but my overall fitness levels and general outlook on life. I wouldn’t say I've made huge gainz (must go to the gym more) but significant enough to give to see how lifting help with not only fat loss but empowerment and mental strength, and this is totally spurring me on to keep training. A recent article by The Telegraph really sums up the whole movement for me. Ladies, for one, do not be afraid to pick up the bar bell, you will not get bulky! And there are some super inspiring ladies squatting for their lives and showing you what your body can be capable of. Gan on lasses. 

Finally! Enough gym chat, something beauty-related. I’ve been meaning to pick this up for ages as am a huge lover of anything fig-scented, and this shower gel from Korres is just the thing. It's so beautifully balanced (not too overpoweringly figgy) and doesn't dry the skin out. Win! Next on my figgy wish list? Jo Malone's Wild Fig and Cassis scent. Hubba hubba. 

Or 'The nail polish that everyone bought months ago but I’ve only just managed to pick up’. I’m not usually one for following a trend (on a continual quest of being a trend maven), but, unexpectedly, this is one of those beauty products which does live up the hype. The cool minty just-off-white shade is hot for this warmer weather, and would look even better with a tan (better get the St Tropez out). It gets even more bonus points for no chipping, even after 5 days of wear. 
SHARE:

Tuesday, 2 June 2015

May Recap & June Goals


Some months just get the better of you and May was definitely one of those for me. The goals I set, which were totally achievable, went out the window a little bit but I still managed to do them in some shape or other. However, there is a lot of room for improvement. Bring on June. 

MAY IN REVIEW

Ban the bloat
So cutting out gluten...yeah. I definitely did a better job of this in April. It's not that I was binging on tasty gluten in May by any means. I just had a little more than I would've liked to. Now June has hit, I'm all over this gluten-free business. See ya bloat, hello flat(ter) stomach.

Back in the saddle
This was an absolutely massive fail. I had all these grand plans of getting back out on my bike, especially during my week off, but that just didn't happen. After a bit of a scary visit to hospital at the beginning of my time off (thanks legumes), I chilled out and just let myself rest a bit more than I usually do. I absolutely love it when I do get fully into my cycling, so this is something I'll be looking to pick up more when the sun rears his head.

Go green
Now, something I did manage to keep up for most of the month was the teapigs #MatchaMay challenge. I loved my little ritual of making my green tea almond milk latte. Luckily for me, I've still got some left, so will enjoying it even more well into June.

What do I want to achieve in June? Here goes.

SHARE:
© Alice Mary Barnes | Lifestyle, Wellbeing and Healthy Living | Newcastle, UK. All rights reserved.
MINIMALIST BLOG DESIGNS BY pipdig