Cupcakes Or Carrots Instagram Account!

For all those with Instagram, check out the Cupcakes Or Carrots Instagram account!

Updated regularly with photos of clients progress, training, transformations, recipes and motivation!

The Ultimate Challenge

I am now into the last 11 days of the third challenge I have participated in. Some might say that one challenge should be enough, but each time I reach a goal I expand on that and push myself further. As ironic as this sounds, each challenge has its own challenges. Over the past three challenges I have had injured ankles, an injured wrist, shin splints, been on crutches, and mental weakness. This challenge is different though. This challenge I not only have myself to guide through the 12 weeks but a bunch of amazing girls too! This time I am a trainer and I have a bunch of amazing individuals with strength beyond what you would believe, working to change themselves and their lifestyles. 

Its a hard balance, mentally preparing yourself and helping others to follow through and reach their goals. At times, while I build up my business, it sometimes means my training and energy is sacrificed, but in the end I think its worth it. Even when I am struggling mentally I have to remember, I have made so much progress to date and struggling is ok, it just means i 100% understand what my clients are going through. 

Over the past year I have changed physically and mentally. My strength comes from knowing where I have been and where I don't want to go back to mentally. I find the biggest struggle is changing my mind set to suit the changes that I have made physically. Despite the progress I make I just can't seem to get my mind to catch up. To remind myself on my side is an image to remind me that "I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then". 

I hope if nothing else, through my journey I can help my clients in changing their lives, being happy with themselves and finding themselves in the process. Because weight loss is just a thing, its the journey that changes you. 

Its Okay.

Today is a tough day for me but it will all be okay. I have my comfort food and my favourite movie to get me through. Everyone has something that gets them through and this is the one book and movie that gets me through the toughest of times. See my blog post for the quotes that I turn to. 

I will be okay though, because thats the only choice! 

Knocked down again- literally!

So four days before my final weigh in and I have been struck down again! This time the ligament is torn and I will be out for a while! I hate to sit still so even though legs is out by the end of the second week I hope to be back on the gym floor training upper body! Nothing will stop me now! 

The Reason For Helping Others!

The other day I received these messages from my new friend. Her words were so kind and supportive that it made me feel like I was on the right track and could really give this PT gig a solid go! Words can not describe how great it feels to help someone set their goals and actively work towards them! 

Bootcamp Time!

My amazing friend and trainer, Lauren Christie is launching her bootcamp this week! 

Bootcamp is an amazing way to get fit while having fun with others! If your in the Perth Area visit her Facebook page for more details and reserve your spot now!

The countdown is on!

Only six days until my weigh in! Time to focus!

The Rotary Ramble!

A couple of weekends ago a bunch of the Goodlife team gathered in Perth city to participate in the Rotary Ramble for Telethon. It was a great way to rediscover the city I live in while burning a few calories! 

Changing my path!

If you asked me a year ago where I would be I would never have guessed that I would have made such a massive change to my lifestyle and goals. I am now in week two of my AIPT personal training course and on the way to being a qualified personal trainer. It's scary and nerve racking but it's exciting at the same time. I can't wait to be able to use my experiences and everything I have learned over the past year to help others reach their goals!

Yummy Snacks

This is a quick snack I grabbed on the run. Three bean salad from IGA deli section and a can of tuna with an apple to finish. Quick, yummy, and healthy!

Focus.

This is just one of the ways I keep myself focused. Planning out each day of the week and putting it in writing makes it a permanent goal and helps to keep me on track!

Let's Lift!

Here is a shot of me using the bench press. My strength can only get better from here on in!

The Half Way Mark!

Progress photos are the best way to see just how far you have come! This challenge has definitely taught me that the scales are just a number. The first picture is me in the first way in, week one. The middle picture is me after injury number one and at the six week weigh in. I had only lost a kilo at this point but my measurements show a lot of change. The third picture is me in week nine, 2.5 kilos difference. When your weight training it's important to realise that you will build muscle and just because the scales don't drop doesn't mean that your not making progress so stick to your photos and measurements because change is change no matter the form. 

Reward Yourself.

Sometimes it can be hard to stay focused. Don't hesitate to recognise those milestones, no matter how small. One thousand small changes will still amount to a large change in the long run. This is some of the purchases I treated myself to at the half way mark to ensure that I stay on track. 

Adventures!

Exercise doesn't have to seem like a chore! Grab the dog and a friend and go exploring! I tell you Nala had a ball rolling around in the mud and we had fun too searching for fun climbing obstacles and cute photo opportunities! 

Matching shoes - turns out they aren't water proof though!

Seeing Double!

This was completely by accident! Me and one of my gorgeous friends turned up to train together in matching gym outfits! Great minds think alike, right?! 

Meal Prep, The Key To Success

The key to a successful meal plan is simple, meal prep. Making sure that you plan your meals for the day or the week can be the difference between eating what is good for you and eating what is convenient. So plan ahead and you will save money as well and prevent yourself from regretting your choices for the day! 

This Wont Stop Me!

In week three of the 12 Week Challenge, I injured the ligament in my ankle. This meant that I was unable to train my legs properly for the next three weeks! When this happened I was just starting to go hard and put 100% into everything so it put a downer on my spirits for a bit. Over the past few weeks I ahve been emotionally and physically exhausted, but now I have the all clear I have the next 4.5 weeks to do my very best. I dont see this as a loss but rather more motivation. What an achievement it will be to say "Yes, i achieved this and I was injured for part of the challenge". Lets do this!

Scrumptious Protein Balls

If your looking for the perfect little snack to get you through until your next meal, try this recipe! I whipped up these protein balls in just ten short minutes!

Recipe: 

100g of mixed nuts (macadamia's, walnuts, almonds, pine nuts- it's up to you!) 

6 dates 

25g almond meal

15g cocoa powder 

25g protein powder 

15g organic maple syrup 

25g organic honey 

1.put the dates and nuts in the good processor and combine 

2. Add the protein powder, almond meal, cocoa powder, honey, and maple syrup and combine 

3. Grab small tea spoons and roll into balls using your palms 

To mix it up I added a dash of dried goji berries and a tablespoon of organic peanut butter - yum!