And as I can't keep GREAT things away from you all, today I am, of course, sharing my favourite everyday breakfast smoothie recipe! If you're a sweet/chocolate lover... this is one for you.
Tuesday, 22 August 2017
The Best Mood-Boosting Breakfast Smoothie
Wednesday, 9 August 2017
Come Grocery Shopping With Me : My Weekly Supermarket Essentials
Friday, 14 July 2017
Focusing On My Health & Wellbeing : My Six Steps
I'll be honest with you all, lately my mind has been a little all over the place. From work to weight - I haven't been me.
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
Life Update
Why hello my favourite internet people!
It's time for me to finally sit down and type away my feelings.... it's been a while and I've missed blogging regularly SO much and I thought i was about time I did a mini life update for you all..... in case you've been wondering where I am!
What's new with me? What's gong down?
Well.....
I've been working... alot! I LOVE my new job so much but working online all day I struggle to then sit down and open my laptop once I'm home enjoying my free time - which makes me sad as I LOVE blogging so much but I do need time to switch off from it all. But I'm determined over the next couple of months to get A Yellow Brick Blog up and running like it used to be!
I've booked a holiday......... to DISNEYWORLD! Yes I'm so, so, so, sooooo happy - I finally cracked my boyfriend and he agreed to go back next year :)
So, lots of saving and counting down for me until March - I still can't believe I'm going to get to go back, a dream come true once more!
Summer is coming and I have lots of exciting plans! From the Isle Of Wight Festival next week to one of my best friends hen do's (in a totally secret location.... I'd better not say because she could read this, we've kept this a secret for 6 months and I'm just spoiling it now!) later this month to V Festival in August ... I'm looking forward to some amazing weekends with good friends :)
INSTAGRAM - I have a brand new Instagram - @AlohaKirstie - and I would seriously appreciate it if you'd hit follow, I can't believe it's already hit over 400 followers in less than 4 days!
Alot of people have been asking why I have made a new account.... well, my old one, for me, was just messy - which sounds SO stupid but I'd had it since 2009 or 2010 I had over 4000 uploads. I just needed a fresh fun start!
Will my blog change names? Who knows?! Not anytime soon :) 'A Yellow Brick Blog' seems to have a lot of love from what I've seen and been told so maybe it should stay :)
I'm still on that health kick - I'm obsessed with the gym classes I'm going to and I am trying seriously hard with my diet (although I have slipped a few times recently)! I did just complete #ChocolateFreeMay though - wahoooo! I'm excited to keep on challenging myself, setting new goals monthly and seeing improvements!
What have you all been upto? What's new? Let me know in the comments below!
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Lifestyle Book Haul
As you may have seen in one of posts recently - lifestyle books are something I am starting to invest in alot more.
From health and fitness to positive thoughts, mindfulness and goal setting - there really is a book out there to help you with anything.
I find it so motivating and helpful to have something on my bedside table to dip in and out of and I think it's not going to be long until I need to buy another bookcase for my home!
When I wrote my recent post (here) I asked if anyone had any book recommendations. Of course you awesome lovelies sent me some fab suggestions which sounded right up my street so ...... I went ahead and ordered some!
First of all was a suggestion from the lovely Emma (Owls and Stags) - with Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig.
She told me it was amazing for anxiety and staying calm, which I struggle with alot and with it being less than £4 on Amazon I couldn't NOT try it out.
On first looks I was a little scared, it all seemed very much orientated about depression which is a deep, deep subject - but the reviews and comments I keep seeing everywhere seem to portray that this is an incredible book for anyone to read for a positive outlook on life.
I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in.
Next was a book that I cannot believe I hadn't heard of before, it sounds like it was made for me! I am a super messy person. I cannot help it, I always have been .... but hopefully won't always be.
I know how much better I feel in myself when everything in my life is tidy - from home to work to even my handbag, it's so much calming when everything is in order and neat. (I'm just a bit pants at it sometimes.)
This book was recommend by Steph (Nourish Me Clean) and as soon as I heard the title - The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying - I knew I had to try it out.
I'm actually SO excited to read this.... I need all the tips I can get! I feel like I need to de-clutter my home from top to bottom and start again with everything in tip-top-tidy condition! Have any of you read this?
The third book I bought recently was one that had been in my saved items/wishlist on Amazon for months. Kate Hudson's - Pretty Happy.
'Healthy Ways To Love Your Body' is the tagline and something which I need to hear. I'm always in a constant battle with how I feel about myself and this book is said to be a fantastic guide to confidence and everyday all round happiness with yourself.
I've had a good flick through of this and it all looks amazing - so many different sections and amazing focus on the 4 main pillars to focus on to achieve a balanced, healthy life. There's also great places to fill out your own thoughts and personal details - an amazing book for travelling with.
From health and fitness to positive thoughts, mindfulness and goal setting - there really is a book out there to help you with anything.
I find it so motivating and helpful to have something on my bedside table to dip in and out of and I think it's not going to be long until I need to buy another bookcase for my home!
When I wrote my recent post (here) I asked if anyone had any book recommendations. Of course you awesome lovelies sent me some fab suggestions which sounded right up my street so ...... I went ahead and ordered some!
First of all was a suggestion from the lovely Emma (Owls and Stags) - with Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig.
She told me it was amazing for anxiety and staying calm, which I struggle with alot and with it being less than £4 on Amazon I couldn't NOT try it out.
On first looks I was a little scared, it all seemed very much orientated about depression which is a deep, deep subject - but the reviews and comments I keep seeing everywhere seem to portray that this is an incredible book for anyone to read for a positive outlook on life.
I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in.
Next was a book that I cannot believe I hadn't heard of before, it sounds like it was made for me! I am a super messy person. I cannot help it, I always have been .... but hopefully won't always be.
I know how much better I feel in myself when everything in my life is tidy - from home to work to even my handbag, it's so much calming when everything is in order and neat. (I'm just a bit pants at it sometimes.)
This book was recommend by Steph (Nourish Me Clean) and as soon as I heard the title - The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying - I knew I had to try it out.
I'm actually SO excited to read this.... I need all the tips I can get! I feel like I need to de-clutter my home from top to bottom and start again with everything in tip-top-tidy condition! Have any of you read this?
The third book I bought recently was one that had been in my saved items/wishlist on Amazon for months. Kate Hudson's - Pretty Happy.
'Healthy Ways To Love Your Body' is the tagline and something which I need to hear. I'm always in a constant battle with how I feel about myself and this book is said to be a fantastic guide to confidence and everyday all round happiness with yourself.
I've had a good flick through of this and it all looks amazing - so many different sections and amazing focus on the 4 main pillars to focus on to achieve a balanced, healthy life. There's also great places to fill out your own thoughts and personal details - an amazing book for travelling with.
Anymore books recommendations? Keep them coming! I'm sure over time I'll review these books in full - is there are any you would really love me to talk about then just let me know :)
Sunday, 10 April 2016
4 Books To Help You Create A Positive & Healthy Lifestyle
I bloomin' love books and reading in general for that matter so whilst delving into my mission of health, fitness and mindfulness recently I've come across a few books that have resonated with me so much that I feel a blog post is in order to share them all with you. From quotes to tips - these 4 books have become permanent fixtures on my bedside table.
First up - Start Your Day With Katie by Katie Piper. I have actually had this book for years but never, ever get bored of it.
Each day there is a lovely quote or uplifting and positive message to start your day with. I have shared snaps of this book so many times across social media and I'm always getting asked what it is - is it a book? is it a diary? So here it is!
Buy here
Next we have Health Hacks by Esme Floyd - a book I actually found on ASOS!
This handbag sized book is full of 500 simple solutions to help with everything from migraines and nausea to sleep and weight-loss.
Quick and easy snippets to guide you with more or less any symptom - dip in whenever you want more information on a health concern or problem! Definitley one to take on holiday with you too!
I literally can not recommend this enough - now to invest in the rest of the collection.... beauty hacks and fashion hacks!
Buy here
Calm is a book that came into my life whilst taking part in #calmday earlier this month and wow - this book is amazing.
You may have heard of the Calm app (which I've just started using and it is brilliant) but you can now create a peaceful, calm environment and mentality with your very own book by Michael Acton Smith.
This book is FULL to the brim with different tips, techniques, things to do, facts and ideas to help you along the way.
The book is divided into eight sections including Nature, Travel, Relationships & Food, this is the perfect thing to pick up as and when you need it to help you in any aspect of your life.
There's gorgeous imagery and fantastic bits for you to fill out yourself - just head to Twitter and search #calmday to check out some of the gorgeous pages inside! If you're an anxiety sufferer/worrier like myself I highly believe this book and the matching app are fantastic ways to help ease any negative feelings you may have.
Buy here
Last but not least is 'The Feelgood Plan: Happier, Healthier and Slimmer in 15 Minutes a Day'. This book is by Dalton Wong, Jennifer Lawrence's very own personal trainer - and I mean.... if it's good enough for J-Law, then - gimme gimme!
'Dalton taught me how to eat, move and live a delicious but healthy life' - Jennifer Lawrence
First of all I just want to say the layout of this book is incredible! It's so easy to follow, keeps my attention and Dalton along with fellow author Kate Faithfull-Williams have literally thought of everything!
Not matter what stage of fitness or health you are in this is a winner, the attitude behind it is everything I need to help me stay motivated and on the right path for me and my life.
Buy here
Do you have any books recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!
Thursday, 24 March 2016
Easy Oatilicious Sugar & Dairy-Free Banana, Fruit and Nut Bars
Why hello there lovely ladies and gents!
I've been baking - can you Adam and Eve it?!
I literally don't know when the last time I baked was. I'm so pants in the kitchen I tend to avoid the mess and immense disappointment usually linked with my attempts.
With my current lifestyle-change mission in full swing I have been loving creating healthy and EASY meals/snacks and these are something I randomly whipped up earlier this week - and to my surprise... were edible!
After creating my new fav pancakes, I realised.... 1.I can actually use my kitchen and 2. maybe I can make more yummy things from just eggs and bananas?! Avoiding all that nasty sugar and dairy I decided that these two ingredients would be perfect to create some form of easy peasy snack to help me curb those sugar cravings and I was right!
For my Oatilicious Sugar & Dairy-Free Banana Fruit and Nut Bars I used just 3 main ingredients.
3 x medium bananas
2 x large eggs
Porridge oats
I mashed the bananas together with a fork (that's hard work you know!) then popped the eggs into the mixture and whisked together until it resembled some form of even, runny mess.
I then tipped in the oats. Right, I know all you baking gods out there are going to hate me but yes, I just guess-timated the amount! I popped in what I thought was enough to create a 'flapjack' type consistency! (and it was fine - who needs scales?!)
So for the main mixture.... that's it! Literally that easy.
I then added in raisins, chopped almonds and dried cranberries to give it a bit of fun! (I think next time I might try a bit of peanut butter and maybe even some dark chocolate chips if I'm feeling a bit naughty..... although then they wouldn't really be sugar free would they?)
You can literally add in anything you bloomin' well please! Go crazy - I'm looking froward to trying all different kinds!
Once the top had started to golden and the mixture was no longer a gooey mess, I took it out the oven and left to cool. (I'll warn you though are still moist - ew I literally HATE that word - but they are still pretty squidgy once they are done... all that banana I think, don't panic!)
A short while later I was chopping them into bar sizes and displaying them on a plate to obviously Instagram away..... don't judge me.
Now... don't get me wrong, this isn't no rocky road or millionaires shortbread - but that's kind of the point! You can still get your sweet fix without actually having anything bad in it - totally GUILT-FREE (even when you eat 4!)!
It's literally only bananas, eggs and oats after all - where's the harm in that?
Let me know what you think of these short but sweet recipes I've been popping up. I'm really loving this new mission I'm on and I find it so fun creating blog content from it too!
Sunday, 20 March 2016
3 Ingredient Gluten Free Chocolate Protein Pancakes
Finally! Back to the writing, it's been a week since my last blog post and it feels like forever - how I used to blog everyday is beyond me?!
As I had mentioned in my previous post, it's time for my blog to have a bit of a content make-over..... so, here we go......
As you may have seen and read over my social media channels (Twitter/Instagram) I'm on a major health and fitness mission.
No more late night biscuit scoffing sessions and squat avoidance, it's time to finally get myself looking and feeling the best I can, inside and out.
I've been eating clean and LOVING it! I feel fab and I'm loving my new routine of eating well and exercising. (Although HIIT class definitely killed me the other night!)
I've been looking at creating EASY and fun recipes for all meals (hello world of food Pinterest), and with my lack of knowledge in the kitchen and busy schedule I like to be able to make meals quickly and without the 'faff' of 57 different ingredients and scattered cooking times.
These pancakes are SO easy, with only 3 ingredients and taking only a matter of minutes these really are a fantastic start to the day (or snack!) and they taste great too!
All I use to create the mixture is :
Firstly I mash up the banana, which takes me straight back to having braces and living off soft foods every time they were tightened! (Mashed bananas and skips were diet staples.)
I then add in the eggs and whisk it all together.
Last but not least I pop in the 2 scoops of Slender Blend powder (I have chocolate but have just ordered vanilla too!) and mix it all up until it's even. I was a little worried at first that I hadn't mashed my banana up enough as it was a little lumpy but once you pop it onto the pan it really isn't a problem!
Just a couple of minutes or so on each side and you're done! Time to plate it up and add your favourite toppings!
Photoed I went for raspberries, blueberries and a light drizzle of clear honey. The pancakes can be a little drier than you're usual everyday pancakes but with the added healthy toppings it's hardly noticeable!
I think next time I going to go for a bit of peanut butter - I'm loving the Meridian's crunchy peanut butter at the moment which is 100% peanuts - no palm oil!
The best thing is that these are SO filling - no mid-morning snacks for me, these keep me full until lunch time!
With this mixture I made 1 large pancake but I think next I'll use it to create 2 or 3 smaller pancakes to stack... that's always more fun right?
As I had mentioned in my previous post, it's time for my blog to have a bit of a content make-over..... so, here we go......
No more late night biscuit scoffing sessions and squat avoidance, it's time to finally get myself looking and feeling the best I can, inside and out.
I've been eating clean and LOVING it! I feel fab and I'm loving my new routine of eating well and exercising. (Although HIIT class definitely killed me the other night!)
I've been looking at creating EASY and fun recipes for all meals (hello world of food Pinterest), and with my lack of knowledge in the kitchen and busy schedule I like to be able to make meals quickly and without the 'faff' of 57 different ingredients and scattered cooking times.
These pancakes are SO easy, with only 3 ingredients and taking only a matter of minutes these really are a fantastic start to the day (or snack!) and they taste great too!
1 x medium banana (ripe, not green)
2 x large eggs
2 x scoops of protein world chocolate slender blend (you can obviously do this with any protein powder/slender blend flavour, or maybe even a rice flour!)
Firstly I mash up the banana, which takes me straight back to having braces and living off soft foods every time they were tightened! (Mashed bananas and skips were diet staples.)
I then add in the eggs and whisk it all together.
Last but not least I pop in the 2 scoops of Slender Blend powder (I have chocolate but have just ordered vanilla too!) and mix it all up until it's even. I was a little worried at first that I hadn't mashed my banana up enough as it was a little lumpy but once you pop it onto the pan it really isn't a problem!
Photoed I went for raspberries, blueberries and a light drizzle of clear honey. The pancakes can be a little drier than you're usual everyday pancakes but with the added healthy toppings it's hardly noticeable!
I think next time I going to go for a bit of peanut butter - I'm loving the Meridian's crunchy peanut butter at the moment which is 100% peanuts - no palm oil!
The best thing is that these are SO filling - no mid-morning snacks for me, these keep me full until lunch time!
With this mixture I made 1 large pancake but I think next I'll use it to create 2 or 3 smaller pancakes to stack... that's always more fun right?
What do you think? Are you a fan of quick and easy recipes too?
Sunday, 28 February 2016
5 Things I Cannot Live Without In My Cupboards
I don't know about you guys but when it comes to other people's shopping - I am so nosy.
I LOVE seeing what everyone else is buying and what everyone eats - haha.... the weirdest of the internet right?
So today I'm talking about the 5 items I cannot live without! The 5 things that are always in my shopping trolley and are essential to my week!
1. Green Tea
This has to be #1. I am an avid green tea drinker - I literally think I have a problem ... and now I work in an office full of other green tea drinkers my daily intake seems to have doubled!
I love the stuff AND it's good for you, win-win! (Top tip : if you don't like normal green tea .... try the new gingerbread version from Twinings #amazing)
2. Peanut Butter
What an essential! The greatest of all the spreads I'd say (although Marmite is a beauty.)
I have peanut butter on ...everything. It's such a winner when it comes to my sweet-tooth cravings (which hit daily). My favourite snacks are a granny smith apple with peanut butter and oatcakes with peanut butter.
When it comes to crunchy or smooth.... I'd have to go for crunchy but I do buy smooth aswell - I like to have options okay!
3. Eat Natural Bars
Over the last 6 months I have become completely and utterly obsessed with these and have one daily without fail! With trying to cut down on sugar and eat cleaner these have been the perfect replacement for any chocolate/cakes I seemed to have been downing before. With everything in the ingredients list clean and readable (none of those crazy additives that you can't pronounce) I never feel bad treating myself to one of these and they keep me going!
4. Porridge Sachets
Yes this is lazy. I know I could just buy a bag of oats and what-not but I love these easy sachets from Oats So Simple, I always grab the family size boxes (22 sachets) when they are on offer in Tesco for £1.99. I have one every morning with almonds and honey and at the weekends I like to treat myself to some raspberries and blueberries... crazy aren't I!
5. Wholemeal Wraps
My lunch. Every single day. I love my chicken salad wrap I do, and these wholemeal ones are the best!
What are your top 5 things in your cupboard that you ALWAYS have stocked up?
Follow
I LOVE seeing what everyone else is buying and what everyone eats - haha.... the weirdest of the internet right?
So today I'm talking about the 5 items I cannot live without! The 5 things that are always in my shopping trolley and are essential to my week!
This has to be #1. I am an avid green tea drinker - I literally think I have a problem ... and now I work in an office full of other green tea drinkers my daily intake seems to have doubled!
I love the stuff AND it's good for you, win-win! (Top tip : if you don't like normal green tea .... try the new gingerbread version from Twinings #amazing)
2. Peanut Butter
What an essential! The greatest of all the spreads I'd say (although Marmite is a beauty.)
I have peanut butter on ...everything. It's such a winner when it comes to my sweet-tooth cravings (which hit daily). My favourite snacks are a granny smith apple with peanut butter and oatcakes with peanut butter.
When it comes to crunchy or smooth.... I'd have to go for crunchy but I do buy smooth aswell - I like to have options okay!
3. Eat Natural Bars
Over the last 6 months I have become completely and utterly obsessed with these and have one daily without fail! With trying to cut down on sugar and eat cleaner these have been the perfect replacement for any chocolate/cakes I seemed to have been downing before. With everything in the ingredients list clean and readable (none of those crazy additives that you can't pronounce) I never feel bad treating myself to one of these and they keep me going!
4. Porridge Sachets
Yes this is lazy. I know I could just buy a bag of oats and what-not but I love these easy sachets from Oats So Simple, I always grab the family size boxes (22 sachets) when they are on offer in Tesco for £1.99. I have one every morning with almonds and honey and at the weekends I like to treat myself to some raspberries and blueberries... crazy aren't I!
5. Wholemeal Wraps
My lunch. Every single day. I love my chicken salad wrap I do, and these wholemeal ones are the best!
What are your top 5 things in your cupboard that you ALWAYS have stocked up?
Monday, 9 November 2015
A New Me : 2 Week Update
You may have noticed on Twitter I've been tweeting away about this new 'me', this new changed 'diet' I am on etc etc and I've been getting a few questions about it so I thought it was about time I did a good old blog post to explain myself!
First off I just want to say - I am not on a diet.
Nope, I refuse to say that word now - I have just decided to permanently change my eating to hopefully change the way I feel inside and the way I approach/look at food.
I was given a huge kick up the backside recently when I read Scarlett's 6 Month Food Transformation post - reading her thoughts, feelings and experiences was like reading a diary of my own.
I read so many similarities and realised that 'Hey, maybe I'm not the only person that feels like this' and I don't actually have to feel like it at all, it CAN be avoided.
For years I've known the foods I have to avoid. Alot of people in my life call me fussy which I can find really embarrassing. I can't eat certain foods... kind of not my fault - it's not my choice, I don't want to be fussy, but that's just how it is. I'd rather be that way than be ill.
My tummy troubles have ruled alot of my life since I was a teen, thinking through everything I ate, panicking about going out to eat somewhere new or going to people's homes for dinner - sometimes I would do anything to avoid these situations, in fact, I still do.
The diet I had was poor. Alot of sugar, way too many snacks and not enough fruit and veg... nowhere near enough.
I was lazy, I would just eat the most convenient easy dinners and fill myself up on unhealthy snacks like biscuits, chocolate and sometimes crisps which I would then totally regret and in all honestly would just want to throw up as I felt so full and disgusting.
I would decide to diet every other month and maybe loose a few pounds but it would be a stupid diet. One where probably wouldn't eat enough and get so bored that eventually I snapped - it just didn't work.
So that Sunday evening 2 weeks ago after reading Scarlett's post I kind of had a food epiphany.
I needed to actually start looking at what I was putting into my body, cut the crap and unnecessary over-eating and maybe just maybe I could actually feel normal for the first time in years.
This isn't about loosing weight, it's about becoming healthier and happier and after only 2 weeks I already feel a total difference, I'm eating enough and of the right stuff, I can't believe I've been letting my body go without this for so long.
So.... I've cut out main dairy products like milk, cheese, mayo and eggs, avoided unhealthy processed snacks full of sugar and salt (which I was kind of addicted too) and tried to increase my protein, fruit, vegetable intake as much as possible.
I won't lie... when I was hungover I had a bounty .... but we can let that go right? haha! Could have been alot worse.
I've avoided the biscuits that are still in the cupboard, which is kind of a miracle and I'm bought 2 birthday cakes for people in the last fortnight and not had a single slice!
I've found what I'm eating really does keep me fuller for longer, I'm not thinking of snacking half as much as I used to.
I've already lost 4lbs which is a total bonus and I can't wait to add exercise into this new life routine of mine! I just struggle to find the time when I'm at work 9 hours a day and trying to blog on my days off.
I'll be keeping you all updated on my journey and this 'new me' - so far I'm SO happy with how I feel, I can't imagine ever wanting to pop into a shop and buy a family size bar of dairy milk to stuff my face with again - which can only be a good thing.
Don't get me wrong though, of course treats will still happen. I'm not going to let myself go without popcorn at the cinema - that would just be rude!
First off I just want to say - I am not on a diet.
Nope, I refuse to say that word now - I have just decided to permanently change my eating to hopefully change the way I feel inside and the way I approach/look at food.
I was given a huge kick up the backside recently when I read Scarlett's 6 Month Food Transformation post - reading her thoughts, feelings and experiences was like reading a diary of my own.
I read so many similarities and realised that 'Hey, maybe I'm not the only person that feels like this' and I don't actually have to feel like it at all, it CAN be avoided.
My tummy troubles have ruled alot of my life since I was a teen, thinking through everything I ate, panicking about going out to eat somewhere new or going to people's homes for dinner - sometimes I would do anything to avoid these situations, in fact, I still do.
The diet I had was poor. Alot of sugar, way too many snacks and not enough fruit and veg... nowhere near enough.
I was lazy, I would just eat the most convenient easy dinners and fill myself up on unhealthy snacks like biscuits, chocolate and sometimes crisps which I would then totally regret and in all honestly would just want to throw up as I felt so full and disgusting.
I would decide to diet every other month and maybe loose a few pounds but it would be a stupid diet. One where probably wouldn't eat enough and get so bored that eventually I snapped - it just didn't work.
So that Sunday evening 2 weeks ago after reading Scarlett's post I kind of had a food epiphany.
I needed to actually start looking at what I was putting into my body, cut the crap and unnecessary over-eating and maybe just maybe I could actually feel normal for the first time in years.
This isn't about loosing weight, it's about becoming healthier and happier and after only 2 weeks I already feel a total difference, I'm eating enough and of the right stuff, I can't believe I've been letting my body go without this for so long.
So.... I've cut out main dairy products like milk, cheese, mayo and eggs, avoided unhealthy processed snacks full of sugar and salt (which I was kind of addicted too) and tried to increase my protein, fruit, vegetable intake as much as possible.
So far I feel brilliant, no tummy aches, no sluggish feelings and I'm feeling alot more positive! It's amazing what just a few changes can do.
I won't lie... when I was hungover I had a bounty .... but we can let that go right? haha! Could have been alot worse.
I've avoided the biscuits that are still in the cupboard, which is kind of a miracle and I'm bought 2 birthday cakes for people in the last fortnight and not had a single slice!
I've found what I'm eating really does keep me fuller for longer, I'm not thinking of snacking half as much as I used to.
I've already lost 4lbs which is a total bonus and I can't wait to add exercise into this new life routine of mine! I just struggle to find the time when I'm at work 9 hours a day and trying to blog on my days off.
I'll be keeping you all updated on my journey and this 'new me' - so far I'm SO happy with how I feel, I can't imagine ever wanting to pop into a shop and buy a family size bar of dairy milk to stuff my face with again - which can only be a good thing.
Don't get me wrong though, of course treats will still happen. I'm not going to let myself go without popcorn at the cinema - that would just be rude!
Got any fab recipes or things to share? Link them below or tweet me @KirstieLouiseS
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Friday, 9 January 2015
Be Body Beautiful by Lucy Mecklenburgh : Book Review
Well this is a first for A Yellow Brick Blog, a book review! I purchased this last week from amazon after spotting people talking about it on twitter and immediately wanting to check it out for myself.
I always loved Lucy on TOWIE and even though sometimes I wanted to shake her and say what are you doing? I always found her to be pretty genuine and definitely a likeable 'character'!
Since leaving TOWIE I think we've all seen the transformation Lucy has made from Essex glam girl to fitness fanatic and I have been fascinated with her journey every step of the way.
Lucy story seems different to alot of other "weight-loss celebs" - Lucy was never fat, she was never big... she's probably never even been above a size 10, but her fitness and total life overhaul seems genuine, healthy and really achievable if you put enough energy and effort into it.
Her book Be Body Beautiful : My guide to a healthy, happy new you - is a real page turner and not your usual celeb auto-biography.
This isn't about loosing weight, it's about changing your lifestyle and the way you think and feel about food, exercise and the way you live.
Yes, we do hear snippets about Lucy's life from childhood up until now and how she's got to this point but it is also full of tips, motivational advice, yummy recipes and amazing exercise routines and ideas.
Normally when I look at "healthy eating" books and recipes I sit there and roll my eyes at the extravagant ingredients, 1000 different steps to make it and normally think to myself... where in the hell am I going to find that? But this book is full of easy and attainable concoctions that have got me really excited!
There are meal plans for you to follow for weeks on end, which help you make a healthy change slowly but surely and great lists of foods for you to avoid and encourage! I love the no-no's lists!
This book is all about a permanent transformation which I something I am really striving for.
I want to make my body a healthy both on the inside and out and get out of my rut of junk food binges and exhaustion.
If you're looking for some motivation, ideas and support whilst trying to become healthier and happier this is definitely something you should pick up - even if you aren't a TOWIE fan (it's literally nothing to do with it!)
Lucy story seems different to alot of other "weight-loss celebs" - Lucy was never fat, she was never big... she's probably never even been above a size 10, but her fitness and total life overhaul seems genuine, healthy and really achievable if you put enough energy and effort into it.
Her book Be Body Beautiful : My guide to a healthy, happy new you - is a real page turner and not your usual celeb auto-biography.
This isn't about loosing weight, it's about changing your lifestyle and the way you think and feel about food, exercise and the way you live.
Yes, we do hear snippets about Lucy's life from childhood up until now and how she's got to this point but it is also full of tips, motivational advice, yummy recipes and amazing exercise routines and ideas.
Some of the recipes I am looking forward to trying out include :
Raw Chocolate Mud Shake
Banana Berry Smoothie
Antioxidant Blend
Purple Porridge
Salmon & Scrambled Eggs
Spinach, Apple & Walnut Salad
Chicken, Strawberry & Kiwi Salad
Green Soup
Beef Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries
Beauty Bowl
Healthy Fish Pie
Avacado, Chocolate & Strawberry Mousse
Dark Chocolate Shake
Berry Crunch
Lucy also shares her favourite exercise routines and even includes a six-week challenge for both diet and exercise to help give you that needed kick up the butt! Lucy also talks, confidence, body, fashion and self-esteem. She's brutally honest and I'm looking forward to finishing the parts I am still yet to read.
I want to make my body a healthy both on the inside and out and get out of my rut of junk food binges and exhaustion.
If you're looking for some motivation, ideas and support whilst trying to become healthier and happier this is definitely something you should pick up - even if you aren't a TOWIE fan (it's literally nothing to do with it!)
Thank you Lucy!
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Thursday, 1 May 2014
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Thursday, 27 March 2014
Dieting & Me : #3 My Top Tips
Post number 3 is here! To catch up here is where we've got to so far...
2. Get into a routine - Being in a routine has always helped me immensely. Getting up and having a healthy breakfast like high fibre cereal or porridge and/or fruit to kick start your morning everyday is a fantastic way to kick start your metabolism and will have you motivated and energetic for the day ahead! Having lunch and dinner at the same sort of time each day helps alot too! Just a few days into setting yourself into 3 meals and your body will get used to the routine and you won't feel hungry as much and end up unnecessarily snacking (with biscuits in front of Eastenders) - score!
5. Keep a Diary/Get The Apps - Keeping a food diary is a great way to keep track of your progress and it is great to see where your downfalls are aswell. Apps like My Fitness Pal are amazing for this. You can write in everything you eat and what physical activity you do each day and it calculates for you everything from your calorie intake to what % of fat you had that day!
7. Treat yourself - Cheat day is something I am all for! There are always going to be times when you seriously fancy that chocolate bar or some cheeky sweets! I think one day a week is fine to relax and eat what you want! Without these days it would definitely be harder to keep up the dieting and when you've been good a treat really does feel like a treat, not an everyday snack!
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9. Green Tea - "ewww" will be alot of yours reactions to this one but I have to say - I swear by this stuff!
11. Never Shop Hungry & Avoid Those Unnecessary Extras - Something which you may not have noticed is when you go food shopping. If you go shopping before a meal when you're a bit peakish you are 100x more likley to over spend and come out with things you had no intention of buying! The best thing to do is go after a meal or when you are just not hungry and write a list! Only write down what you need - try and get in and out as quick as your can, avoid those tempting offers and save both money and unwanted calories!
This time I'm going to share with you girls (and possible boys) some of my top tips for shifting those few unwanted pounds and feeling better about yourself!
Like I've said before I am in no shape or form a trained dietitian or fitness expert but these are things that I have learnt over the years and things that have worked for me!
This is fairly text heavy, so make yourself comfortable and get your reading brain in gear.
Now... let's turn that self-esteem around and make ourselves look and feel fabulous!
1. H20 - Yes, any dieting tips you will ever read will probably more often than not have this as the number 1 top tip!
Water has so many benefits I could be here all day jotting them all down! If you aren't a water drinker then it is time to change your ways! It is such an easy step to take and water is free so there is no excuse for this one! (Don't like water? Add a slice of lemon or lime!)
It helps boost your metabolism, keeps your brain working and helps you remain focused and keeps you feeling full. So if you think you're hungry then have a glass of water (colder is better as it makes your body work harder to regulate its temperature again) alot of the time the hunger you feel is actually dehydration!
2. Get into a routine - Being in a routine has always helped me immensely. Getting up and having a healthy breakfast like high fibre cereal or porridge and/or fruit to kick start your morning everyday is a fantastic way to kick start your metabolism and will have you motivated and energetic for the day ahead! Having lunch and dinner at the same sort of time each day helps alot too! Just a few days into setting yourself into 3 meals and your body will get used to the routine and you won't feel hungry as much and end up unnecessarily snacking (with biscuits in front of Eastenders) - score!
3. Have a Buddy - Having some to talk to in the same situation and on a similar journey is always a bonus! Whether it's a friend, a family member or maybe even just someone on Twitter or Instagram having someone you know is in the same position as yourself is always motivating!
Talk about your cravings, your progress and your achievements - it will help keep you going... and if you're anything like me and competitive then it will help spur you on even more!
4. Don't Go Cold Turkey Or Under Eat - A mistake a lot of people make when deciding to go on a diet is just going full-on diet crazy and cutting our more or less everything they think is bad!
This is definitely something I would say don't do! Just slowly start to cut out a few things a week - maybe start with swapping fizzy drinks for water, having 1 biscuit instead of 4 or not eating after 8pm.
Each little difference, as small as it is, will have an effect! If you suddenly just start living off soups, salads and fruit only you will only crave the foods you want more and will have a high chance of snapping and quickly reverting back to your own ways (and stuffing you face with those things you've missed!) .
As well as this under eating will not help you lose weight. Eating 1000 calories a day, yes will help you loose weight at first, but as soon as you go back to eating normally your body will just cling to all that extra food and those pounds will pile back on - it is a proven fact!
5. Keep a Diary/Get The Apps - Keeping a food diary is a great way to keep track of your progress and it is great to see where your downfalls are aswell. Apps like My Fitness Pal are amazing for this. You can write in everything you eat and what physical activity you do each day and it calculates for you everything from your calorie intake to what % of fat you had that day!
The one thing with this though is you need to be HONEST. If you "forget" to add in or write down that sneaky snickers bar you had at 7pm it doesn't mean you didn't eat it - the only person you are lying to is yourself!
6. Avoid Those White Devils - I made a conscious effort a long while ago to swap all those white things for wholegrain!
Breads, pastas, rice, you name it - I always have brown/wholemeal. With these I feel so much less bloated than when I ate white and they are so much better for you! A great source of fibre and it makes eating carbs alot less naughty! Just swapping your bread over will make you feel a million times better believe me!
7. Treat yourself - Cheat day is something I am all for! There are always going to be times when you seriously fancy that chocolate bar or some cheeky sweets! I think one day a week is fine to relax and eat what you want! Without these days it would definitely be harder to keep up the dieting and when you've been good a treat really does feel like a treat, not an everyday snack!
8. Make Your Goals Realistic & Attainable - Now I did touch on this back in my 'Motivation' post! We all need goals that are attainable. Wishing to loose half a stone in a week is pointless. It is isn't going to happen. Nor is staring at photos of Michelle Keegan - you aren't her so don't strive to be like her. Look at photos of yourself, photos you have from when you've felt better about yourself - you know you can look like that so go for it! Making small goals is the key - loosing 1 lb a week for a month or cutting out crisps for 2 weeks, these are goals that can be done, go for it and you'll be ticking off your accomplishments before you know it!
9. Green Tea - "ewww" will be alot of yours reactions to this one but I have to say - I swear by this stuff!
I thought I'd give it a go about 3 years ago and I've never looked back! I could drink this all day everyday, I love it and can drink unto 10 cups a day! The fact it comes with so many benefits is a bonus! It boots metabolism, is a great source of anti-oxidants, lowers stress levels, seriously hydrating and a perfect 0 calories per cup! The list goes on! And if you aren't a fan... try green tea with lemon, or ginger! Just don't add sugar... that defeats the object!
10. Swap Your Snacks - Snacking is one of those things that no-one can seem to agree on. One diet tells you to snack on small portions all through the day and others tell you to just stick those 3 main meals! Who knows?!
I'd say if you're hungry, you've had a drink and you're still hungry - the eat! Just make sure what your snacking on is helping not hindering your hardwork!
Instead of picking up that packet of crisps or an easy chocolate bar option - swap it! Fruits, salad, veggies, nuts, some yogurts - these things are great ideas for simple snacks!
I also Love Ryvita and Special K products! Ryvita bites/thins are great tasting and have hardly any calories - perfect for an inbetween meals munch!
11. Never Shop Hungry & Avoid Those Unnecessary Extras - Something which you may not have noticed is when you go food shopping. If you go shopping before a meal when you're a bit peakish you are 100x more likley to over spend and come out with things you had no intention of buying! The best thing to do is go after a meal or when you are just not hungry and write a list! Only write down what you need - try and get in and out as quick as your can, avoid those tempting offers and save both money and unwanted calories!
Same as what I said in my last post aswell, plan your meals, take your lunch to work - this will save you money and you will be less likley
12. Keep Moving - Just 20-30 mintues a day, whatever it is it is better than sitting on your butt! Walking, running, zumba, the gym - get out there and work it girl!
13. Be Patient - Patience is key. Don't get disheartened if after a week you feel the same and have only shifted half a pound - everything comes in time! The longer you keep at the the easier it will get.
Try and only weigh yourself once a week - same day, same time, same clothes - this will give you an accurate reading of your progress!
You will get there in the end - the more progress you see the more motivated you will feel! Take before photos as you may not feel a change over time but looking at photos you will see how far you've come! (I've added a few of mine for you... cringe at 2011 me!)
ALWAYS REMEMBER...
THE BEST PROJECT YOU WILL EVER WORK ON IS YOURSELF.
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