Crash dieting/exercise is frowned upon by (mothers!), nutritionists & fitness gurus as it is deemed unhealthy and unsustainable. ‘You will only put the weight back on…’ blah blah blah Perhaps this is true (we will wait and see!) but if you are like me, you need a kick-start to see results quickly. Therefore you feel encouraged and hence it is easier to continue… So, how can you drop a dress size in 2 weeks?
Basically, it started as the stars aligned. I didn’t think, ‘oh December is going be my month to get healthy!’ (Why would anyone choose this month?)
I haven’t eaten breakfast for a long time, but when a nutritionist from Nestle Breakfast Cereals said
‘If you don’t put fuel in a car, it will stop suddenly, so why would you not put fuel in your body at the beginning of the day?’
I really felt she was talking to me! I always crashed at 11 and made unhealthy choices, so since then in November I have started having breakfast with the kids (usually porridge)
This helped me energy levels enormously.
When I heard about Amanda from Bella Bello and her two-week kick-start course, I jumped at the chance to give it a go. Amanda is a personal trainer and pilates teacher and works throughout London.
She came to my house 3 times a week and either trained me at home, interval training in the park or on an actual jog. I must say, I loved the boxing the most – might have to get some gloves!
Amanda may even bring her dog Goose!
She also enlightened me about a common problem woman have after pregnancy. No, not weak pelvic floor (although that is super important!)
It is basically the gap in your abdomen after pregnancy and unless you close it through breathing and pilates exercises, normal sit ups will futile and only make the problem worse, hence never getting your abs back. We worked on this and she showed me some exercises to narrow the gap.
If you would like her to check your Diastis Recti, drop her an email and she will very happily swing by for 10 minutes and give you a quick prognosis!
Anyway, usually at this time in December, my face is puffy, I am grabbing a croissant for breakfast due to a permanent hangover and I am tucking my tum into Spanx.
But not this month!!
I actually went for a jog this morning. This is a view of the Thames from Hammersmith Bridge.
She also recommended two great apps Gym Boss for interval training and Nike Training for prompts & encouragement whilst you train.
I have also just bought a Nutri Bullet from a friend who is moving back to the States and I have got the kids on board too. They are loving the concoctions.
Amanda gave me so many top exercise and nutrition tips over the course of two weeks and has left me with a little plan to continue what we started.
Amanda’s 5 Nutrition Cheats
- Replace pasta with butternut squash spaghetti (spiralized butternut squash) M & S is my favourite
- Freeze blueberries as a delicious snack and you are far less likely to eat the whole punnet if it’s frozen.
- To battle my mid-week chocolate craving I keep a low-calorie chocolate powder in the cupboard or have a matcha latte.
- Instead of ice cream, slice up bananas and freeze. Then put in a blender with anything you’d fancy to make healthier ice cream!!
- Eat from smaller plates and bowls this is an old trick but it really works!!
Amanda’s 5 Training Cheats
- If you’re struggling to get out and run, just say you’re only going to do 10 minutes. I find the moment you get to 10 you always want to carry on for another 10!
- If you really can’t get motivated for the gym put on YouTube at home and find a workout. I love Fitness Blender but there are tons of workouts on there to choose from.
- Buy new fitness clothes! This always inspires me to workout.
- Not really a cheat but get a personal trainer! No self motivation needed we do all the work for you!
- If you don’t fancy running one day then don’t force yourself instead do a 30 minute hiit workout! Similarly if you can’t face lifting weights go for a jog! It’s all about consistency so whatever gets you up off the sofa go for it!
Amanda’s Favourites
Restaurant : Kurobuta Kings Road / Marble Arch or Nama Vegan 222 West Kensington
Hotel : Costes in Paris
Website : Net-a-porter
Shop : Maje, Sandro, Baar and Baas, Sweaty Betty
Holiday Destination Tough one! Our villa in Majorca, Ibiza or Tulum Mexico!
So the real test will be Christmas. With the help of My Fitness Pal I will be able to spread out the calories and if all else fails, I will just book some more sessions with Amanda!
Why don’t you book her for January?
£240 for 6 1 hr sessions.
Now that would be a great Christmas present!
Amanda is also giving away 2 FREE sessions. She will come to your home/office/park and put you through your paces. (Don’t worry, she is firm but fair!)
Email me hello@thelondonmummy.com with Amanda in the subject to be entered into the draw. Draw will close on 21st December.
Good luck! xx
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