The End Of A New Beginning!

3 days and the 2014 March 12 Week Challenge will be over. 12 Weeks fly's by but its amazing how much you can achieve in that time, and how much life can change.

This challenge I not only had my own goals but I had my clients to reach. I am never not amazed at their dedication and enthusiasm to change their life.

Although the end of the challenge, this is only the beginning, the beginning of a new life, new improved version of yourself, new friends, and new passions. Now is just the start of more to come!

The Best Kind Of Motivation!

I have come to realise that there is actually nothing better than sharing your clients progress with them. Seeing their face light up when they accomplish something new and reach a new goal and the look in their eyes when they see the progress for themselves. That is what makes the job amazing! 

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. 

Girls Night In - The Healthy Way!

Saturday me and my lovely clients had a movie night and girls night in- the catch, all the treats were to be made healthier!

I made a number of snacks and then the girls also brought along a contribution!

Our feast included;

- Spinach wraps cut into triangles for dip instead of turkish bread
- Beetroot dip and Guacamole
- Peanut Butter Choc protein balls
- Tuna mix
- Chicken Strips
- Chevaps
- Sweet Potato Chips
- Carrot, Broccoli and Quinoa salad
- Trail mix with choc chips and goji berries
- Strawberries and pineapple dipped in dark chocolate

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! 

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!

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! 

Meal Preparation Is The Key!

Meal prep this week was so quick but so yummy! Meal preparation is the first key to successfully sticking to a meal plan and ensures you get all the nutrients and protein you need each day. 

I whipped up a quick tuna slice,  this slice took only minutes to prepare and cook but it was delicious and made enough to last me over a week! I made this up as I went but heres the recipe so give it a go! 

Ingredients:
1.5 cans of canned tuna in spring water
1 cup skim milk
1 cup spelt grain or oats
3 eggs
1 cup of sweet corn
1 cup of peas
Half of a zucchini grated
Half of a carrot grated

Method:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl
2. spread evenly in a baking tray
3. Put in the oven for 20 - 30 minutes on 180 degrees Celsius

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! 

Inspiration & Support

Throughout the challenge I started my job at the gym. Gaining this position not only helped me to stay focused but also gave me the opportunity to meet some amazing and knowledgeable people who inspired me and supported me throughout the challenge.

Lauren Christie is a Personal Trainer with a passion for training, living a healthy lifestyle and inspiring others to reach their goals. Words cannot explain how much she taught me about training and eating to lose weight in a healthy way. Check out her Facebook page for just a taster of what she has to offer! 

Although this was not where I thought is be this year, I wouldn't change a thing. Not only did i come leaps and bounds within myself, I had the privilege of meeting amazing people like Lauren. This girl kept me focused, taught me what she had to offer, and inspired me to reach my goals. Not only this, she also became one of my very best friends and that's invaluable in its self. 

Chicken And Greens At It's Best!

This meal is another one of me and my friends favourites. The best thing about it is it only takes a couple of minutes! 

It has four easy components; 

1. Chicken lightly dusted in chilli crumbs and cooked in a pan without oil. 

2. A small dollop of beetroot dip, fresh or from the store. 

3. Beans steamed or cooked in hot water for a few minutes. 

4. Asparagus and cashews cooked in a pan until the cashews are brown. 

Give this quick meal a try! 

One of my Favourite Snacks!

When it comes to eating healthy, yummy and fun, thefitnessrecipes.com has been my go to page! They have a number of delicious and amazing healthy snacks that everyone will love! I have made these snacks for a number of friends and family and they all loved them!

One of my favourite recipes is the Tuna Balls. I normally add these to a tasting plate with dip, however I have also found they make a delicious meal when served with veggies or salad.

Give this recipe a go and let me know your thoughts, they are as yummy as they sound I promise!