They say abs are made in the kitchen - and they couldn't be more right! There was a time when I truly believed that if I just did more crunches and sit-ups and and still ate unhealthily I would have a six pack within a few months. Yes I know, I'm even embarrassed to admit it! But this just goes to show how uneducated I was in terms of nutrition. I had got fixated on achieving the perfect waist, the six pack image of the leanest body without actually working hard to change my diet.
If you are generally looking to achieve a lean body, losing stubborn fat and building muscle then we have to face facts. It's not an overnight job. It's not easy. However, if you persist and change everyday habits, it IS achievable.
I would suggest opting for more natural wholesome foods and make small but delicious swaps that won't seem overwhelming, but will fill your body with nutritional goodness and keep you satisfied. Try swapping normal white potatoes for example with sweet potatoes. I found that what used to be a jacket potato dripping in butter with beans and blocks of cheese has now changed to a healthy sweet potato filled with just spinach and feta cheese - absolutely delicious! So so good and yet far better for your digestive system!
Most people dive head first into a healthier lifestyle, binning every ounce of chocolate in sight, especially in January after we have eaten our own body weight in sweets and turkey. Although this is great for your body, it isn't always brilliant for your mentality. Sometimes easing your way into a healthier lifestyle is far kinder to yourself. It's important not to set the bar far too high so that your goals are unattainable in such a short time. Keep the food, but make sure you have plenty of healthy foods prepared and within reach first. Alter your mindset so that you eat that bunch of grapes before a twix. Listen to your body and re-educate yourself to eat when you need to refuel, not when you are angry, upset or bored.
If the thought of throwing out every bit of unhealthy food seems overwhelming then don't. Enjoy the odd treat and still have that cheesy mash if you want to. But if your goal is to ultimately live a healthier and longer life, then make the small everyday sacrifices that will make a MASSIVE difference to your body. When we start to feed ourselves with the right foods, our bodies feel and work so much better. You'll find that your skin glows, your energy levels rocket and you're less likely to suffer from the dreaded bloat.
Back in October, I got Jamie Oliver's Superfood Recipe Book for my birthday and oh my god some of his dishes are phenomenal! If you think that healthy eating equals a boring diet of lettuce and bran flakes, then stop! Do yourself a favour and get his recipe book. He not only has recipes for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, but also talks about the importance of hydration, food groups and how nutrition can nourish our bodies. Not only all of this, but he also makes me look like a domestic goddess in the kitchen! My boyfriend always asks if I can cook his Bombay Chicken & Cauliflower Curry and we regularly have his Spinach, Parmesan & Chilli Eggs for breakfast (as you'll see from my Instagram!)
Above is one of my absolute favourites - Skinny Carbonara with Smoky Bacon, Peas, Almonds & Basil (click here for the recipe). Filled with absolutely gorgeous ingredients and packed full of micronutrients including thiamin which helps keep our hearts healthy. See! Who said healthy eating had to be boring?!
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