Red Beatle

I AM MOVING 'HOUSE'

2005-11-05T20:07:00.000+10:30

Hi everyone!

I have opened another blog with cool gal Kat - a fitness buddy who is also starting a 12 week program this Monday - November 7th!! So Redbeatles will be having a well deserved 'rest' for the next few months.

So come and visit both Kat and I on:

http://katfit.blogspot.com/

See you soon! Bella x

BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO RAE!!

2005-11-01T20:15:00.000+10:30

Rae entered her very first Figure Bodybuilding Competition in Perth, Western Australia - October 15 and received SECOND PLACE!! WOOHOO!! - also check out her Stage Pics from the National Comp - INBA Australia - SHE LOOKS BEYOND AMAZING!!!

http://raecattach.blogspot.com/

9 weeks till 2006!

2005-10-31T21:51:00.000+10:30

November 1st tomorrow! 9 weeks until NYE!

My ITB is still twingy but I wanted the last couple of months of 2005 to be strong for me - thus the '9 week countdown' where I WILL get down to 14% body fat.

So, my blogs will be documenting this little journey - should be a fun ride!

ok.. another pic of madge - her body is so hot!

ITB Update!

2005-10-30T21:30:00.000+10:30

You know the story so far, but to update you on my healing progress....

- On friday I rang my physio crying in pain saying I will never be able to do cardio again.....
- My boyfriend had taken our car to work so I had to walk to the physio: normally a 10 min walk...
- ...today it was a looong 35min walk to the physio! I was wearing grey trackie pants, grey trackie top and a dark grey cap. It wasnt until I saw myself in the mirror that I realised I looked like a robot mime doing street busking!! Even my arms were completely rigid as I was in so much pain! Had to laugh - it actually cheered me up momentarily!
- Physio appointment: had to laugh again! The weirdest thing - the massage was so painful I couldnt stop laughing!!! I sounded like one of those nutty witches that cackle crazily as she rides her broom into the moonlight!
- Next thing I know, I leave the appointment buying a blue ball with spikes on it - similar to the toy my dog chews obsessively in the back yard! I was instructed to sit my right bum cheek on it until I felt the most intense pain shoot up my right leg! God - and to think thats all I needed to do!...
- Lastly I bought a pack of 'Hotteeze' ('the amazing stick-on heat pads') which I am to wear (again on my right bum cheek) for 12 hours straight. www.hotteeze.net. Was told a couple of times by the physio receptionist not to stick it straight onto my skin but over my undies...it also says in the packet 'do not put Hotteeze in your mouth'...

Sooooo, after all this, I woke up the next morning.....

FEELING SOOOO MUCH BETTER!!!

Ok - I still had a couple of crippling shooting pains in my knee - but nothing like it was! WOOHOO! I wont be getting too excited and do something as stupid as going for a run (although it did cross my mind...) but I will work toward getting my cross-trainer transported to my appartment by the end of the week in anticipation!

WISH ME LUCK!!!

Madonna Muscles

2005-10-30T21:27:00.000+10:30

I wonder if Madonna also did Sues program?

Your own RULES!

2005-10-27T20:25:00.000+09:30

This is for my best blogger buddy Kat - thought you would appreciate this...

'Just remember this: 1 year from now, those birthdays and holidays will be distant memories, but you will still be YOU, in your body, and that’s based on your decisions ‘today’ and ‘tomorrow’, not on someone else’s idea of a social agenda. Seriously…get ruthless, as we say in M-Power, and set your own schedule. Enjoy those times under your ‘own’ rules. If people don’t understand, ——- em.

Did I say that outloud? No, no I didn’t…I just type a bunch of dashes! : )

As I say, they don’t pay your medical bills or have to wear your clothes, now do they?'

source: Jon Benson blog : Oct 27.

Snail (elliptic) Trail

2005-10-27T16:26:00.000+09:30

Today is a cardio day - which means nothing to me right now. Yes, still have the ITB thing going on. Strangely though I feel ok - I actually feel strong!! I felt fantastic during yesterdays weights and my nutrition has been spot on! Ive been stretching like a yoga master and fingers crossed my ITB will be better by next week -IT WILL BE BETTER!!

Cant believe its only 9 weeks until NYE! HOLY COW! At least for the first time ever my new years resolution wont be 'to be healthy/start exercising/eat better blah blah blah.' Cool - so I will have new goals :-) !!!

Hey, did I tell you guys I bought a 'elliptic trainer' from my gym!!?!! WOOOHOOO!!
So exciting! The owner of the gym is upgrading his cardio equipment and sold me the elliptic trainer for $250 - I thought that was a great price! It has a digital face/timer and works perfect! Now its just working out how the hell to transport the monster to my apartment! (it looks like a huge snail) I already have a spot for it - right under the airconditioner - right infront of the tv - right in the middle of my apartment!! To say it will be a 'feature piece is an understatement!!

Will have it just in time for my full ITB recovery...any day now!!!!

10 in 10 Challenge

2005-10-24T21:17:00.000+09:30

Ok - so you havent heard from me for a couple of days...only because I have been coming to grips with this freakin 'condition' (it was the nicest description I could use) called ITB.

I have been unable to do cardio for 6 days...i repeat 6 DAYS!!!! Until 2 days ago I could not walk down 1 step - now you understand why I have been keeping low - either that or people will get to see me FREAK OUT!!! (which only my boyfriend has the honour of witnessing...)

Anyway, I was excited today - yes, because the pain in my knee was easing to just a dull stab - but also because Jon Benson had started a blog!

'Jon is an internationally recognized transformation lifecoach, specializing in mental strategies for the excellence lifestyle, fat-burning nutrition and superior physical fitness. His first e-book, "Fit Over 40", shot to number 2 within less than a week and continues to grow in popularity. The book profiles 52 real-life "role models" who have transformed their bodies at various ages, ranging from 40 to 80.'

Jons mission / goal with The 10 in 10 Challenge is three-fold:

Educate
Motivate
Liberate

Have to say those 3 words are enough to motivate me into getting involved in the challenge - remember its a LIFESTYLE choice not just a shitty FAD - and Jon is for keeps!!

Check it out - its easy to read, informative and motivating - another blog to add to your favourites!

www.10in10challenge.com

Carrot Overdose!

2005-10-24T21:09:00.000+09:30

A friend emailed me this yesterday - I found it so disturbing I thought I would share it with you all.

and hold for 20seconds...

2005-10-19T15:02:00.000+09:30

Because of my ITB - I will need to stretch like SJP...

.....ok, yes I am bored.

ITB

2005-10-19T14:51:00.000+09:30

Ohhhhhhhhh nooooooooo! I am in sooooooooo much pain!!! It was the most perfect morning for a run - and that is exactly what I did. 30mins into it I started to get a dull pain to the side of my right knee....this is what happened last week....yes - it is ITB (Iliotibial Band Syndrome)!!!

I have never suffered from ITB before - so annoying! I feel so fit and strong and then this thing happens! Geez - such are the 'tests' of life!!

Treatment:
Moisturiser, 1 apple (was told a rolling pin would be better!), packet of frozen peas and a whole lot of swearing! This ITB business is so damn hard to massage and stretch!!

www.time-to-run.com/injuries/thebig5/itb.htm

Hopefully I can coordinate some cardio at the gym - AAGGHR!

Mouse Poo Magic

2005-10-18T17:17:00.000+09:30

I could not control my laughter and consequently spat my breakfast oats all over the morning newspapers...

'While eating, activate your coach and place it at inconspicuous location on your table'....does this look freakin inconspicous to you guys? it looks like mouse poo from mars!!! Read on...taken from The Age Sunday Life Magazine...

' The timy gizmo known as the Powerseed is, believe it or not, an eating coach. Designed to help you slow down your munching, as you'll feel fuller faster by placing yourself, the gadget - which costs $66 and is placed on the table infront of you - flashes a green light every 30 seconds to inform you its time to take the next bite. Every 5 minutes, it sends a different signal - a 3 second light - to make you question whether or not you're still hungry or just eating for the sake of it. Not recommended for first dates or meet-the-parents dinners.'

www.powerseed.com

Pink Dumbbells

2005-10-17T07:25:00.000+09:30

Pink Dumbbells - another part of my strategy to keep motivate and focused. A whole community of women on a similar mission - and they have monthly events - chats etc!
My member name is Bella - so say hi if you see me online :-)

RED BEATLE TEAM READY!

2005-10-16T15:20:00.000+09:30

Today I have NEW GOALS!!

Since I returned from my Greek Odyssey almost 4 weeks ago - I have not put 100% into my program. I blame 'stale goals' for this lack of focus. Before my holiday I was motivated by my bikinis - after my holiday I wasnt too sure...

Not anymore!! THIS IS A LIFE PROGRAM!! I have stopped thinking 'only for 12 weeks' and now focus on 'this is how I want to be for the rest of my life!'

The last straw was last night when I was SHAKEN (using the kind of force when salt wont come out of its container)into this new goal setting mind set.

I had been 'picking' on 'this and that' all day (sugar shit)and started to feel really crap. But oh no - the sugar spikes and energy crashes werent enough - so I then order Indian for dinner!! Im not going to even write what I ate - but it was NOT GOOD! For this, I suffered ALL NIGHT - stomach cramps, gas, headache and grouchy mood swings. ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

I have put in place 'strategys' to achieve my 'new goals' - and lucky me I have my fantastic boyfriend who is happy to support me all the way (god I love him!)I also have Jillian Michael from The Biggest Loser - who has also agreed to support me as my new fridge 'pin up girl' - who is ready to yell every time I look at her: 'TEAM RED BEATLE IS A WINNER!'

phew - so as I said, that is that...and this is me now - on the WINNING road!

FREE (freakin' doing my head in) MEAL

2005-10-14T20:47:00.000+09:30

Is it just me - or do 'free meals' do other peoples heads in?....

Yes having some bread before dinner is yummo
Yes having a pasta for dinner is yummo
Yes having a glass of red with dinner is yummo
Yes having banana ice cream after dinner is yummo

I am not 'stuffed to the rim' - I stopped knowing if I did over eat, I would be more than freakin'...everything was reasonably portioned...

It must be my years of eating disorder thoughts & actions that still haunt me - making me believe I am reverting back to 'the dark days' of bad nutrition and awful consequences...

I used to have a really bad habit of constantly looking at my tummy - particularly after eating - as if I had suddenly developed 2 belly buttons to compensate for food expansion - stupid I know - and also stupid because I now do this after free meals!! AAAGHR!!

Take a deeeep breath and know that I work hard and deserve to have the 'nutrition break.' Have to say one thing though - I have promised myself that the 'free meal' I do have is of the best ingredients...why eat shit chocolate when you can have the best (green and black is my favourite) and reaaallllly enjoy it!...ok shit chocolate will also do sometimes!!!!

Off to watch some tv - god I am addicted to CSI!

Jennifers cardio tips...

2005-10-12T08:08:00.000+09:30

I wonder if Jennifer Aniston has special names for her cardio sessions...

'Angelina is an Ass Fat Blaster' or 'Mad at Brad Butt Burner'

Bet she doesnt miss a cardio session with names like this...!!

Cardio Crazy

2005-10-12T07:11:00.000+09:30

You know since I started my first program with Sue I have only missed 1 weights session!! - not from laziness but from a shitty flu - the thought of not going doesnt even cross my mind! BUT I do have 'issues' with laziness regarding cardio!! Aaaghr!

Why!? I know cardio is awesome in reducing body fat but still I 'ho-hum' at the thought. I think its beause I am getting bored - and probably not pushing myself as much as I could - should. There are more variables involved - weather situation if wanting to train outside - waiting for someone to get off the cardio machine at the gym - injuries - boredom and maybe some more boredom...

SOOOOOO I have decided to freshen up my cardio -
I will be doing 4 cardio variations:

1. HIIT HOTTIE(20mins)
Will be following the chart as mentioned below - I love this session beause the intensity increases with every minute and I 'cheer in my head' each time I reach the peak.

2. ELLIPTIC TRAINER THIGH BURNER(35mins)
This is a great one from Sue. The only problem is my toes go so numb in the last 5-10mins! Does this happen to anyone else!!?
- Warm up at light resistance for 5 minutes
- Increase to medium resistance for 5 minutes
- Increase to higher resistance for 5 minutes
- Decrease to light resistance for 5 minutes
- Increase to medium resistance for 10 minutes
- Decrease to light resistance for 5 minutes

3. CROSS-TRAINER FAT BUSTER(50mins)
I could no loner run on the treadmill for 45mins straight - nothing could help my boredom - not even watching in amazement how many people lift weights incorrectly...
So here is my new routine:
- 5mins skip
- 20mins treadmill
- 20mins elliptic
- 5mins skip

4. STOP/START HEART PUMPER(40mins)
This one relies on good weather - even though its heading into summer the weather in Victoria is so random!! Again, I have taken this one from Sue - its quite good - but I count the seconds in my head...should probably carry a little stop watch...
- 5mins warm up
- 30mins run 1min/ walk 1min
- 5mins warm down

I want her Abs..biceps..and designer wardrobe...

2005-10-09T19:36:00.000+09:30

This is such an awesome pic of Sarah Jessica Parker!

No more brain cobwebs!

2005-10-09T19:16:00.000+09:30

Have totally organised myself (swept my brain from negative thoughts and bad habits) to have a great week. Today was a good start!

Nutrition:
Eventhough it was a cardio day I managed to push through any hunger pangs with a lot of water and a few cups of green tea. Thinking I may have a protein shake before bed - its only 7pm and I'm feeling peckish...

Training:
Did HIIT on the cross trainer and then a strong Ab workout.
Did the BFL cardio suggestion to make things interesting...and I liked it! Breaking the session up really made time fly - and helped me focus on the intensity - nice one!

Other:
Remembered my multi-vitamin & l-glutamine (morning & night)!

Am I officially obsessed?

2005-10-08T15:13:00.000+09:30

Have now started to take photos of my meals....
My boyfriend thinks Im a little obsessed...I just call it organised...passionate...

Meal 3: LUNCHTIME!
- 100g lamb
- raw asparagus & zucchini
- 1/2 cup organic corn
- no salt/ dressing
Ok - sounds uninspiring but was actually quite tasty! I am 'getting back to basics' with my nutrition - and I feel better for it! Making the effort to really enjoy the taste of my veggies in their natural state - although cream-dill sauce would have been a delicious addition....

Meal 4: SHAKE!
- 30g protein powder & plain ol' water and a snazy pink straw for personality...
Easy Peasy. Was thinking about making an egg-white omelete but couldnt be bothered. Separating 5 yolks from their whites is quite an art - and dangerous! - I sliced my little finger on an egg shell the other day - lucky I didnt need stitches!

Meal 5: DINNER TIME!
- 150g lamb (yes again)
- raw asparagus & zucchini
- 2 baby tomatoes & 2 sliced mushroom
- 3 little pickled cucumbers chopped
- fresh dill & spring onion (straight from my grandfathers garden!)
- 1tbs seeded mustard
Delicious! Could really taste the dill - my favourite herb - felt like I was back on the Greek Islands...almost!

Lazy Pancakes!

2005-10-06T15:55:00.000+09:30

Feeling a bit flat today - weather that cant make up its mind (windy/sunny/rain/cold aaahg!) makes me a bit CRAAAAZZZY! Did 30min cardio before breakfast (1min jog / 1min walk)and felt good. Bought a pair of SKINS yesterday and cannot believe I ever exercised without them!! Even though I look like a plucked chicken - I do feel my exercise is of better quality (and no hideous sweat marks!!)

Interesting - had skinny milk instead of skinny soy in my coffee this morning - and have had bloating and gas all day! Feels like indigestion - have been drinking heaps of water to help ease the discomfort but now I just feel like a water balloon!!!

Am eating Meal 4 now - have whipped up my easiest recipe: LAZY PANCAKES!!

1. 30g protein powder mixed with a little water (less for thicker/more for thinner)
2. Spray oil on pan and put over gas.
3. Pour protein mix on pan (2 little pancakes or 1 big one)
4. Allow to cook - not for too long or it will be too rubbery!
5. For extra taste srinkle Splenda/ peanut butter or sugar-free jam onto pancake!

I use Designer Whey Protein Powder which I find to be great. Not sure if other protein brands are as tasty...You can also mix in an egg white in Step 1 for extra fluffy pancakes...

Happy eating!

'Surfing The Net' (another form of exercise!)

2005-10-01T21:12:00.000+09:30

For anyone thats interested here are just some (I have many more) cool sites I visit:

www.fitren.com / www.tomvenuto.com
He is so 'the man' !!!
www.sportzblitz.com.au
I read the monthly winners for inspiration
www.bodybuilding.com
You have to sift through a lot - but some good info
www.bodybuildingsecrets.com
Tom Venutos blog!
www.greggavedon.com
I showed my boyfriend this site for motivation!!
www.formerfatguy.com
This guys transformation is amazing! Go to his blog link at the bottom of the page and read his story.
www.teresacutter.com
Some great recipes - I like her outlook.
www.hussman.org/fitness/
Some good info on what the hell youre supposed to be doing!

Goodbye 5kg!! (dumbell weights only...)

2005-10-01T20:31:00.000+09:30

Another good day - have been really organised with my time. I did weights this morning and felt stronger - I know next week 5kg will be gone!! Have been slack with my abs though - will do a set tomorrow - need to make sure my 'inner core' stays strong! A friend at the gym was in hospital last night for a hernia op - he did it by lifting weights incorrectly! So stupid!!

It was a beautiful day today - 23C - so I did my cardio along the Geelong waterfront. I followed Sue's plan - 1 min run / 1 min walk - for 45 mins - and it was great! I can usually run for this time - but when I have done weights in the same day I sometimes tire easily - but this way I kept up my stamina & felt strong the entire run. I will be doing this cardio more often - especially now that the weather has warmed up.

I am ready for a really focused week - have already printed my weekly nutrition - and will cross off my meals once eaten. This makes me more focused and helps me to stay on track - without sneaking bits here and there. This system really works for me.

Plan! Plan! Plan!

2005-09-30T16:23:00.000+09:30

Phew - have really stuck to my nutrition today! woohoo! I even did my cardio 7am - 20 min jog / 20 min cross-trainer! I think it really helped me to stay on track - dont want to be getting up that early to exercise for no reason... Wanted to do another cardio session this afternoon - but its already 5pm and I'm going out for dinner. Already know what I will have - steamed salmon portion with veggies. So for the next 4 weeks of my program - I will have '2 menus' - weights/cardio days. I will also have 1 free meal a week.

CARDIO DAY
Meal 1:
-1/3 cup oats with 30g protein powder
-1 plunger coffee with 2tbs skinny soy milk
Meal 2:
-1/3 cup oats with 30g protein powder
Meal 3:
-120g grilled chicken with veggies/salad
-1 plunger coffee with 2tbs skinny soy milk
-1 tsp organic peanut butter
Meal 4:
-5 egg white scramble
Meal 5:
-150g protein (lamb/chicken/fish)with veggies/salad & dash low carb dressing
-1tsp organic peanut butter
If hungry:
-30g protein shake with water

TRAINING DAY
Meal 1:
-1/3 cup oats with 30g protein powder
-1 plunger coffee with 2tbs skinny soy milk
Meal 2:
-1/2 cup oats with 30g protein powder
Meal 3:
-120g grilled chicken with veggies/salad
-100g sweet potato & dash low carb dressing
-1 plunger coffee with 2tbs skinny soy milk
Meal 4:
-5 egg white scramble
Meal 5:
-150g protein (lamb/chicken/fish)with veggies/salad & dash low carb dressing
After training:
- 30g protein shake with water
Supplements:
-VP2 Protein Powder (for after weights)
-Designer Whey Protein (for day use)
-L-Glutamin (1tsp morning/night & after weights)
-Multivitamin

Other:
- Try to eat organic / wholefoods whenever possible
- Avoid dairy (milk/cottage cheese)
- Eat raw foods whenever possible
- Drink dandelion & green tea throughout the day
- lemon with hot water first thing in the morning

Remember to pass on the cake!

2005-09-27T21:21:00.000+09:30

Man am I feeling DOM all over from yesterdays session! Its like I have never exercised before! - a trainer at the gym told me not to worry as 'muscle has memory'. My muscles had better remember how to tone up!!!

Did a great weight session this morning - I love my latest program - 2 days training / 1 day cardio. Also did a 30 min jog on the treadmill / 15 min on cross trainer this afternoon. Will be doing cardio as much as possible to burn those calories & reduce my body fat. My body did feel really heavy again during the run. DOMS dont help!!

OK day nutrition wise. Started off great - but then mum brought over a chocolate/honey cake fresh from the oven!! - aaahhhgr!! Not to worry - I told her it would be best if she cooked cakes on a day when I had a 'free' meal...!!!

Week 1: Back into the swing of things...

2005-09-26T19:03:00.001+09:30

Well - today is the first day of my 13 weeks - which is the time until christmas - the time when I will be 14% body fat!

Woke up feeling good - have finally rid my body of the flu and jet-lag!
Had a good day of nutrition - was so busy at work didnt have time to think about 'bad snacking.'

Also did a weights session which felt great but I had to go back to 5kg for my DB Shoulder Press - couldnt believe I finished on 15kg in my last program! Cant wait to get back to that weight again! Also did a jog this afternoon for 45min. Felt good - but 'heavy' in the legs...must be all that greek yoghurt I ate when on holiday...!!

Back in Town

2005-09-24T13:27:00.000+09:30

Am back from my amazing holiday!

I have returned feeling motivated and am ready for a big few months until christmas - both in my work & fitness! I did so much relaxing and 'reflecting' while I was overseas and even though I was gone for just over 2 weeks - it actually felt like 2 months! I really took in as much sunshine as possible!!

In this time I had the chance to really refine my personal goals.

Firstly, I really came to understand that Sue's program is now 'a way of life' for me. Yes I did enjoy eating all the amazing food while away (...it was great eating croissants & nutella for breakfast!) but I also craved my 5 meals a day with fresh veggies/protein - combined with my weights & cardio sessions. This way of living is more than a 12 week program - its how I want to be forever!!

I DESERVE TO BE SUPER-FIT AND HEALTHY!!

Over the coming months my goal is to reach 14% body fat.
I will achieve this goal by christmas! So I have 13 WEEKS TO GO!!
I will also maintain this level of body fat. This is how my body will stay!

...so I am very excited!

Read a great thing...
'Think /Act/ Do like your goal! Install the midset of your goal!
If you want to get something in order to feel a certain way, feeling
that way now will be the fastest way to get it!'

So I need to say: I am so happy that I AM 14% body fat!

...feeling pretty good about myself already! haha!

Eat like a Cave Man (Woman)

2005-08-27T13:08:00.000+09:30

Such a nice day - 21C - spring just around the corner! Now in my 4th day - and strangely I feel quite good...Tom on the other hand looks like death warmed up...

Maybe because I have been through this final week before - I kind of knew what to expect. I now see this final week almost as a 'food cleanse/body detox' - protein/veggies first few days and slow introduction of carbs (rice cakes). It has actually made me re-think what my body feels best eating. Wholefoods are the way to go. I have a tendancy to eat a few too many serves of protein powder...thinking this may be a big factor in why I can feel quite bloated...also thinking brown rice may make me feel a little funny. May substitute it with sweet potato when I get back and see if the bloating subsides. Its good to 'get back to basics' with my body - like a clean canvas - and you can really tune in what it needs - not just craves... 'Become friends with it' as my mum said! Well, we had better start getting along - I need it for a few more years!

Paul McKenna

2005-08-26T21:33:00.000+09:30

I watched Paul McKenna on TV last night and was facinated! I immediately jumped on his website and went out and bought 2 of his books today:
I Can Make You Thin
Change Your Life in 7 Days

Ok - the thought of that guy from the Simpsons ...'Hi, my name is ...and you may remember me from...' crossed my mind - but seriously this guy is so good!
I have just read I Can Make You Thin (took me less than 1 hour) and finished listening to the attached CD...and wow! I layed on the floor with a pillow and blanket and each speaker beside my head (next time will use my ipod) and really got a lot out of it.
I will follow his guidelines daily and listen to the CD each morning - will keep you updated with my progress.
Bring on my new self image!!

...am saving the second book for when I am in lying on a beach in the Greek Islands this time next week! WOOHOO!!

Final Week TIPS!

2005-08-26T08:45:00.000+09:30

No Im not glowing in the dark from the hormones in all the chicken I have been eating - but because I had my teeth laser whitened yesterday! They are so white! I had my braces removed in the final week of my last program and whitening was the final piece of the puzzle - I am no longer a human cheese grater!! Its amazing how much easier eating food is! Especially peanut butter...my favourite!

Not that I should even be thinking about peanut butter...I am in my 3rd day of the 'final week' - the second time I have done this. Its actually a little easier this time round though - probably because my boyfriend is also doing it (my partner in crime) and also because I know how great the end result will be. I am also more prepared in the food department this time...

Some tips for the 'final week'.
1. Buy all the diced chicken breast you need before you start! Between Tom and I that was over 12kg (holy moly!!)
2. Cut off excess fat, weigh and wrap in glad wrap. Freeze. I take out 5 portions the night before and defrost in fridge for the next day.
3. Get your veggies ready. I stuck to the 'anything that is green' rule: zucchini, beans, broccoli, lettuce, cucumber etc.
4. Cook easy. Dont over complicate your meals! You will be hungry and you will want to eat now! I have a Geaorge Foreman Grill kinda contraption (Sunbeam) which is fantastic! Slice your veggies, put them on the grill, close the lid and voila! I also cook my chicken like this and it comes out nice and brown - like little chicken nuggets! Hey - you have to try and be creative! Mushrooms are also great as they cook nice and juicy - giving extra flavour to the chicken.
5. Drink heaps of water - you will be thirsty! I have a 1.5ltr bottle which I fill 2-3 times a day.
6. I take a Swisse multivitamin every day.
7. I drink a black coffee with 1tbs skinny milk after Meal 1&3. I also drink herbal tea - green, licorice (Black Adder brand - yum!) and dandelion tea (Bovida sachets) which is an aquired taste but very good for you.
8. Make sure you eat every 3 hours: 7am/10am/1pm/4pm/7pm

Tomorrow I add 4xrice cakes with my first 4 meals - Tom has chosen sweet potato instead. I slice the sweet potato really thin, pop them on the magical grill and cook until dark brown and kinda crispy - like little potato chips - such a creative chef!!

Well - am now off to the gym! Its amazing how weak I feel during training - no way can I lift what I had been - am using baby weights! Then cardio on the cross-trainer and abs later this afternoon - so many reps!! That 6 pack will have no choice but to show itself!!

Opening of the Olympics!

2005-08-23T19:42:00.000+09:30

Well - here I am sitting writing in my blog - so cool!! I thought it may be a good time to start - give my boyfriend, friends and family a break from my usual rantings- and instead take it out on the Red Beatle...

I want my first topic to be about my involvement with www.idealbodiesonline.com - and its creator Sue Heintze! I have always been aware of my health - but realised I knew virtually nothing until I literally stumbled across Sue and her 12 week program!!

I have completed my first program and am currently sitting (or should I say running) in the middle of my second. I want to remain positive and motivated so will type my little fingers off about my every day doings/thoughts/inspirations etc etc.

So let the games begin!

testing!

2005-08-23T15:31:00.000+09:30

this is my first post...