Tips for Staying on Plan with Slimming World...

Despite my enthusiasm I have been bobbing up and down around my two stone mark ever since I got back from Australia. So to reach my interim target by summer I went back to basics and did a start over. When you start Slimming World you have amazing losses but as you lose it slows down and that can sometimes be a bit disheartening but DON'T GIVE UP! Just push through and KEEP AT IT! the lbs WILL come off if you stick to the plan.

Here are my tips for staying on plan.

1. Write EVERYTHING down.
Use your food diary and write everything down, I mean everything. If you have a gain and don't understand why this will help. You can go over your syn limit so easily and by writing things down you can keep on track.

2. Use the tools
Slimming World has some great tools online and offline. USE THEM! Food diaries, Fitness Logs, S.A.S logs, Syn calculator, Food search, recipe search and recipe books. All things you can utilize to optimize your weight loss.

3. Set your syn limit and stick to it
Most people have a 5 -15 syn limit so stick to that. Even lower it if you feel you need or want to. Syns WILL prevent you from reaching target.

4. Measure
Always measure things or have a container/cup that you know equals your allowed weight. Guestimating will get you nowhere.

5. Plan
Plan your meals for the week ahead and do your shopping based off that list, that way you wont buy unnecessary goods.  Online shopping is great for this too as you can save favorites and you are not tempted to pop anything in your trolly you don't need, saving you money!

6. Change it up
Don't always eat the same thing, you will get bored and lose interest. The Slimming World mag and website are full of delicious recipes USE THEM. You can even convert your favorite recipe. There is no limit.

7.  Body Magic
Body Magic by itself wont shift the lbs but combined with Food Optimising you will see results as well as feel better.

8. Treat Yourself
Allow yourself a little treat every now and again. Have that glass of wine or that chocie biscuit just remember to count it as syns. ( if you are having a big weekend why not save your syns throughout the week)

9. Motivate yourself
I set myself interim targets and treat myself when I reach them. Something new for my camera, or a new outfit. The one I am working towards now is a new gym kit! I have also started a pound for lb jar for a special treat when I reach target.

10. Join a Group
Being part of a Slimming World Group is amazing!!! You get so much encouragement and help when you need it. It gives you something to work towards each week, weigh in and it helps you to not lose focus. Of course not everybody has access to a group or can attend one so why not do it with a friend. That way you can encourage eachother and lose together!

I lost another 2lbs tonight, with just 3 1/2 to go till my 2 stone!! and another 2 for my interim target which I want to reach by June! I know now I can and will get there and its by STAYING ON PLAN! The tips above are what I use everyday and they are working, I hope they work for you too.

Don't ever give up, you can reach your weightloss goal!!

Coffee & Chocolate Facemask...

A few weeks ago I posted the first in a series of natural facemasks and today I have another one for you all!

A Coffee and Chocolate Facemask. This is a favorite among many beauty lovers as it can decrease puffiness,brighten skin and wake up tired looking complexions. Everything you need can be found in your kitchen and it is whipped up in less then 2 minutes. You can also tailor it to your skin type by adding honey or lemon juice.

Here is how to make it..

Ingredients

1 tbsp Ground Coffee
1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa
2 tbsp Natural yogurt

for dry skin add
1 tbsp honey

for oily skin add
1 tbsp lemon juice

Method

1. Put everything into a bowl and mix. Leave for one minute and then mix again to make sure all the coffee and cocoa is dissolved.

Using a foundation brush, brush over a clean face and neck. You want quite a thick layer. Then leave for 10 minutes or until dry and then remove with warm water. You may want to use a facecloth/wipe.

It leaves your skin smooth, energized and ready to take on a busy day! or WINDY day like today!!

10 Habits for a Happier You...

I have had 28 years of ups and MASSIVE downs and those downs can really take their toll! But I try to remember everyone goes through the bad times, its just how you deal with them and learn from them. You are in charge of your own life and its up to you how you live it.

Here are my 10 Habits for a happier you.

1. Wake up and attack the day

Everyday should start as you mean to go on. You need to make everyday count whether it is a day at home or a day full of activities. Try adding something new to your routine or setting some new life goals to work towards.

2. Do it with a smile

Its amazing what a smile can do. If you don't want to do something just suck it up and do it...with a smile! It will make the task allot easier and make those around you smile too.

3. Be active

Being active and getting regular activity can really change your mood. I am not saying join the gym or run 5 miles but why not walk to the shop instead of driving or dance around the kitchen as you cook! That little bit of extra moment can make the world of difference.

4. Don't judge

For some this can be hard but remember we have all been there and someone has judged us, I bet it wasn't a nice feeling.  Everybody is different. Treat people how you would like to be treated and ignore those who don't.

5. Love yourself

You can be your own worst enemy! Learn to love and respect yourself . Its hard I know but you are stuck with you, why not make it a wonderful relationship and enjoy life as you!

6.  Be Optimistic

This is something I struggle with myself but being optimistic and always thinking positively can have it benefits. Of course things don't always go our way but if you focus on that we will never try something new or feel excited about the future. So think YES! I can do this, it will be amazing, I will get that job and things will come round. Just be patient.

7. Surround yourself with like minded people

People around you can have a massive affect on your life. Surround yourself with happy, smiling and driven people. Ones that will push you to do your best and inspire you to do better. Remove negativity and negative people from your life.

8. Encourage

Encourage people to reach their dreams, to achieve those goals and live life to the fullest. Its one of the greatest gifts you can give someone.

9. Slow down

It is so very important to slow down every now and again. Yes we want to live life and for it to be jammed packed with excitement but don't forget to enjoy the quieter, slower things in life. Like reading, sitting in the garden or on the beach and just taking in what is around you. Take time for yourself, time to breath and gather your thoughts.

10. Be grateful

Always be grateful for what you have. No matter if its allot or a little. You are lucky to have what you have in life so treasure it and be thankful.

Why not adopt these habits in your life or even create a few of your own and see what difference it makes.

Friday - Chicken Noodles in Oyster Sauce...

SO late I know, another one of those days! But dinner was made and it was tasty!

Tonight I was in the mood for Chinese takeaway so I made a Chinese Fakeaway :) This recipe is so easy and is probably quicker and cheaper then a normal takeaway! Allot healthier too.

Ingredients

Fry light
large bag of stirfry vegetables
Dried Chinese noodles, cooked

Diced chicken
Jar Oyster Sauce
Soya Sauce to season

Method

1. Cook your chicken in a hot wok. Add your vegetables, noddles and sauce.
2. Once everything is cooked and mixed together, season with a little soya sauce and serve.

and that's it! Its hardly a recipe :)

Hope you all had a great week and have an even better weekend!

syns - Free

recipe - mine

Thursday - Courgette Lasagne...

Good evening foodies, sorry tonight's recipe is a bit late! I have had a crazy day with nursery, a driving lesson and hosted the second FoodieChat on twitter. But the boy is now alseep and the OH is watching a movie so I can finally sit down and share some foodie love with you all!

Tonight I tried out a new recipe, something I have seen a couple of times but never tried. Courgette Lasagne. Using courgettes instead of pasta is a great way to bulk up a meal without the use of carbs and you will be surprised how well it works. You don't just have to use it in a dish like this, courgettes make great noodles too. Again Slimming Worlders this would be great on a SP day.

Here is how to make it.

Ingredients 

Fry light
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 sticks of celery, finely chopped
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
1 tsp sweetner/sugar
1 tsp tomato puree
1 beef stock cube
1 - 2 large courgettes, sliced long ways
1 cup of fat free fromage frais
1 egg, beaten
25g chedder cheese, grated (or more if not on SW)
salt and pepper
salad leaves to serve

Note: you can also use bachamel/white sauce if you prefer

Method

1. In a large pan fry your onion, celery and garlic. Add your mince and brown.
2. Once your mince is browned, crumble in your stock cube and add your tinned tomato, tomato puree and sweetner. Simmer on a medium heat until cooked through. 15 min or so.
3. While that is cooking mix your fromage frais, egg and 1/3 of the cheese together. Season well.
4. Once your mince is cooked start to layer. First courgette, then mince and finally a little of your white sauce. Do the same for a second layer and then on your final layer cover the courgette with the rest of your sauce and sprinkle with romaining cheese.
5. Bake in the oven at 160C fan for 30 min and then place under the grill for 3 - 5 min to brown.
6. Once out the oven leave to one side for a few minutes to settle and cool down as Lasagne can be lethal when hot!:) Serve with a fresh salad.

This recipe is really delicious and packed with flavour. It keeps well in the fridge too, leftovers would make a great lunch.

syns - free if cheese is used as a healthy extra or 5 syns 

recipe - mine 

Natural Green Tea Facemask...

My skin is looking so lifeless at the moment due to fatigue and stress andI have been looking around for a facemask to combat it but they all seem to be so expensive. So instead of paying a small fortune on something that may not work I have decided to look into more natural remedies like green tea, honey, coconut, all packed with goodness.

Today I went for something simple, Green tea.

Green tea is packed with antioxidants that can help to sooth irritated and damaged skin. It also helps to refresh the skin and give it a bit of a boost balancing out its natural oils.

All you need to do is pop 1 or 2 green tea bags into boiling water and let it brew for 2 - 3 minutes. Then using some cotton wool apply to your face and neck. Leave for 10 minutes and then rinse off.

For a more cooling effect you could pop it in the fridge to get cold before you use it.

It gives your skin a great refreshing kick and can be done when ever you need a little boost.

Keep an eye out for more natural facemask over the next couple of weeks.

Wednesday - Mediterranean Chicken...

It's Wednesday which means we are half way through the week. YAY ... nearly weekend! Tonight I am sharing a favorite of mine, Mediterranean Chicken in a lemon sauce. Its light , easy to make and packed with colour and goodness. For Slimming Worlders its a great SP meal ( if you leave out the rice)

Ingredients

1 red and yellow pepper, chopped roughly
good handful of mushrooms, chopped roughly
1 large courgette, sliced
1 large onion, wedged
1 lemon, quartered
3 skinless chicken breasts
mixed herbs/Greek herbs
cup of rice
1/2 stock cube
salt and pepper
Fry light

for the lemon sauce
1/2 stock cube
1/2 pint of boiling water
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp fat free fromage frais

handful parsley for garnish

Method

1. Put all your veggies into a oven tray, spray with fry light, sprinkle with herbs, season and pop into a oven at 160C fan. Cook for 30 min.

2. Season your chicken breast and sprinkle with herbs, then fry in a pan with a little fry light until browned. Transfer into your oven tray with the vegetables. ( you can cover with a little wet grease proof paper for 10 min to help it steam but leave uncovered for the last 10 min)

3. Cook your rice with 1/2 stock cube for flavour.

4. While everything is baking in the oven make your sauce. In the same pan you browned your chicken in cook down your chicken stock and lemon juice until reduced by half. Then turn down the heat to low and stir in your fromage frais. Set aside and keep warm.

5. Serve chicken on a bed of rice and pour over your lemon sauce, sprinkle with parsley to garnish.

syns - Free

recipe - mine