Lack of motivation followed by insanity

So recently I've been crap, like terrible. 

I've not wanted to train, my diet has been shocking & I've just been making excuses. 

As I mentioned in an earlier post my Daddy hasn't been well. Last weekend he was told he has Brain Cancer, we're still waiting on test results to be 100% sure exactly what type & what we're dealing with in terms of aggression. Because of this I've been really sad, I mean awful, crying all the time but in private. I've not even let on to Chris (my fiancé) as to exactly how sad I've been. This morning i had a bit of time off work & decided to have a think & sort my head out because this isn't how people should live! 

A friend at work's sister was recently diagnosed with incurable breast cancer & she's just completed the Manchester 10k to raise money for her, she knows about my situation & she mentioned doing "Tough Mudder" together. 

At first I was dead against it! I thought "I could never get fit enough in time to compete this year!" But after thinking about it further I don't see why I can't? 

I need something to keep my mind focused on positivity & something to keep me on track to my "wedding body" goals. 

So F**k it! I'm going to sign up!!!! 

It can't be that hard & it's all mind over matter.... (She says knowing that's a load of bull) 

Hahaha 

Wish me luck!!! 

Xxxxx

Beetroot & smoked garlic dip

This is a revelation to me.... I love snacking and love Beetroot. It's a superfood packed with antioxidants so I thought of a way to incorporate both!

You will need: (makes 5 servings)
3 cooked & peeled Beetroots (you can buy the pre cooked if you don't fancy the mess)
1 clove of smoked garlic (I bought this from Morrisons, if you can't get any normal garlic will suffice)
1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
1 sprig of mint
1 1/2 tbsp of tahini (a sesame paste, available from most supermarkets)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper
Hand blender

Stick it all in your hand blender & whizz until smooth.
Season to taste
Serve with carrot or celery sticks or use in a wrap with a filling of your choice!

Nutrition: (per serving)
Calories: 124 kcal
Protein: 1.9g
Carbs: 5.6g
Sat fat: 1.7g

Delicious!!!

Lunch time made easy!

So after a fortnight of being off the wagon, I feel rancid.

I need to get back to basics & feel good about eating well! I've been so busy at work that I've used this as an excuse to eat crap & not train. So here is my attempt to get back on track & start afresh!

This is my variation on the Clean & Lean Minestrone recipe by James Duigan
SERVES 4
You will need:
175g of tinned Cannellini beans (drained weight)
1 onion- finely chopped
2 cloves garlic- minced
2 stems of celery- finely chopped
1 green pepper- finely chopped
1 beef tomato- finely chopped
1/4 of a white cabbage- 1/2 chopped finely, 1/2 sliced thinly
2 handfuls of spinach- sliced thinly
100ml - Passata
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 veg stock cube dissolved in 500ml of boiling water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried sage
1 sprig thyme
Salt & pepper

Fry off your onion, garlic, celery, pepper, the chopped cabbage in the oil until soft.
Add your beans & tomatoes
Add your herbs, veg stock, Passata & bring to the boil.
Stir in your tomato purée
Add your remaining cabbage & spinach, simmer until soft.
Season with salt & lots of black pepper
Serve hot or freeze/ chill for another day.

Nutrition:
Calories per serving: 166 Kcals
Fat: 7.5g (1.1g saturated)
Carbs: 18.9g
Protein: 6.9g
Fibre: 5.7g

A delicious & filling lunch

Xxxx

Clean eating failure & getting back on track

Hi guys,

It's been a while.... I fell off the wagon. A few family issues (My dad isn't well) has meant that i have been comfort eating. BAD IDEA! I now feel even worse!!!

Hardly been in the gym & eating all things that I shouldn't. *slaps own wrists*!

So this week I am starting afresh, I re-read the bible (James Duigan's clean eating cook book) & put together my meal plans & fitness plans.

I go on holiday soon (3 weeks) so I am on a shred mission for damage limitation!

Wish me luck!!!

Charlotte xxxxx