I'm originally from South Africa and people over there are generally health conscious and things like health bread - and I mean real health bread - is easily to find. My problem now is that I recently moved to the grand USA and guess what? I have not been able to find a really good bread that is not full of preservatives and a great healthy snack for when your all-protein diet is getting a bit too much.
So I started to make my own bread and it is one of the best ideas I've ever had because now I know exactly whats in it and I can alter it to suit my taste ect. Oh and did I mention that its super easy to make? No bread-maker needed thank you very much!
All you need is: a large bowl
5ml (1 teaspoon) measure
15ml (1 tablespoon) measure
125ml (1/2 cup) measure
250ml (1 cup) measure
a loaf tin to bake it in ( tallish, rectangle shaped tin)
Ingredients: nutty wheat / brown flour (3 cups)
crushed oats (1/2 cup)
raw, sunflower seeds (1/2 cup)
chopped raw walnuts / any other nuts you like (1/2 cup)
salt (1 tablespoon) - I know it sounds like a lot but it brings out the flavour really nicely
baking soda (1 heaped teaspoon spoon)
honey (2 tablespoons)
low-fat buttermilk / plain yogurt (2 cup) - I prefer the buttermilk
Mix the dry ingredients together in the bowl, then add the wet ingredients in and mix together well. Pour into a greased loaf tin and sprinkle some seeds on top or push on some whole nuts for a nicely decorated loaf of bread. Bake in the oven at 180.C / 350.F for one hour. Then enjoy!
One of the things I really love about this bread is that even though its really dense, unlike other breads, its really flavourful and easy to digest. You can also cut the bread into really thin slices which makes nice slim sandwiches, also when you toast it this amazing nutty smell fills the kitchen and its absolutely mouth watering!
Just note that because it doesn't have any preservatives in it it won't keep for a very long time (more than four days?) I know that doesn't sound very long but believe me this bread is so good it probably will be eaten up in two! But if you do want to keep it for longer then just slice it up and stick it into a sealed bag and leave it in the freezer, then if you want a slice you can just take one out and pop it in the toaster! So easy!
Hope you enjoy this healthy recipe as much as I do!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Jillian Michaels is one tough cookie.
For one of my yoga days I decided to try a workout DVD by Jillian Michaels (The trainer from The Biggest Loser) and let me say that I consider myself to be quite fit - I can cope with most things - but oh my goodness it was hard! Those Chaturanga poses were so tough! But I loved it! I'm definitely going to keep at it until I can successfully complete the workout on the advanced level!
The specific DVD that I got is called Yoga Meltdown and basically its just yoga but its been sped up a bit to become more aerobic and thus stimulating your body to burn fat faster!
Its also a great DVD to have for when you go on holiday or when - like what I'm experiencing - there's a problem at your gym and so you need a workout you can do at home.
Try it out!
The specific DVD that I got is called Yoga Meltdown and basically its just yoga but its been sped up a bit to become more aerobic and thus stimulating your body to burn fat faster!
Its also a great DVD to have for when you go on holiday or when - like what I'm experiencing - there's a problem at your gym and so you need a workout you can do at home.
Try it out!
Monday, July 18, 2011
D.I.Y. with olive oil.
Olive oil is an ingredient you can find in many beauty products because it has so many beneficial qualities! Just remember - don't go using any of your expensive olive oils because the cheaper ones work just as well!
I found this great D.I.Y. lip balm that I've tested and enjoyed! Try it out and let me know what you think!?
- Two tablespoons of sugar
- Two teaspoons of honey
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- Mix all together and keep in a container in a place thats dry and cool.
This lip balm is really cool because its all natural AND can be made from the ingredients of your own kitchen! I really love how the sugar acts as a light exfoliator on your lips which gets rid of dead skin making your lips much softer, while the olive oil moisturizes your lips giving you a smooth, pouty look!
Olive oil is really great for you hair too, especially if you suffer from heat damage. Whenever I feel my hairs looking a little tired I like to pour a little olive oil into the palm of my hand and carefully spread it out through my hair evenly just before bed (make sure not to get too much of it onto your hairline because the extra oil can cause acne). Then wrap my pillow in a towel so I don't make a mess and voila! The next morning when you wake up, wash your hair and results can be seen immediately, your locks will be shining with new vigor! This is definitely worth trying!
Fall beauty trends.
Fashion takes part in beauty and I hold it dearly in my heart. One day I hope to actually become a fashion designer myself and have been accepted into a fashion university in London! But instead of going into fashion I decided that after looking at the new lines presented in the recent fashion week, I would instead share some new and exciting beauty trends!
Many of the fashion houses were sporting a new masculine look as a contrast to the past few feminine inspired lines although there were some exceptions!
1. Bright red lips.
The summer look for lips has been dominated by orange, but as Fall comes into the picture the staple red lip in popping cherry and wine-stained hues has once again come back into the spotlight. Fashion houses such as Chanel and Gucci paired this look with the new line and I have to say that it looked devine! Lipsticks to create these looks were Chanel's Red Rouge and M.A.C.'s Runway Red and Ruby Woo.
2. Bold metallic eyes.
Colours such as gold, silver and chrome were used to create futuristic, statement eyes. This was seen in lines like Lavin, Jason Wu and Donna Karan. One product that was used to create this look on the runway was Mabelline New York Eye Studio's Give Me Gold, but Bobbi Brown, M.A.C. and Giorgio Armani also have great selections of metallics to choose from! Also note that for a more subtle look you can simply brush the metallic shadow on your eyelids, but for a dramatic show-stopper try wetting your brush and then applying the shadow and you'll end up with a highly pigmented, solid lid of gorgeous colour!
3. Neutral nails.
This summer bright, out-there manicures have been spotted everywhere but now the natural coloured lacquers are being used to emphasize the masculine trend. Yves Saint Laurent achived this look by using one of their own products YSL La Laque No. 14 (transparent pink).
4. Metallic and mix-and-match manicures.
Also seen on the runway was a series of mix-and-match manicures as well as metallic nails to match the metallic eyes. These were a fun and eye-catching way to play with the over done original french manicure. As seen in House of Holland and Jason Wu lines.
5. Bold brows.
Yet another contrast to previous trends, the new look is to have full, thick brows instead of the covered up, barely there brows (that I personally wasn't a fan of!). Donna Karan teamed her bold brows with soft metallic eyes and rosy cheeks and lips to create a pretty yet striking look. (Lips were achieved by using Revlon's ColourBurst Lipstick in soft rosy pink.)
6. '50's inspired eye liner.
I loved this look as fashion houses created outrageously thick, black liquid lines on the eyes as well as mascara which oozed with sex appeal. This was seen in Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli and D&G.
7. Hair in ponies and plaits.
The hair scene varied from tight dominatrix-like ponies (Louis Vuitton) to loose, unkept plaits (Emilio Pucci) to artfully crafted plaits (Alexander McQueen). All were lovely in their own way and I'll definitely be trying out a few of the styles.
8. Spidery lashes.
After all this time beauty retailers have been coming up with the latest versions of macara to create beautiful divided, long and clump-free lashes but now the trend has taken a turn and short, clumpy (aka spidery) lashes are seen everywhere. Is this a good or a bad thing? I can't decide.. But each to their own and if you like it - Lavin and Gucci do! - then for all means go for it!
Well those are the big hits for Fall! There are some others (such as waxed sideburns?) but they didnt make my list of things to try out. Hope you enjoy - I know I will!
Many of the fashion houses were sporting a new masculine look as a contrast to the past few feminine inspired lines although there were some exceptions!
1. Bright red lips.
The summer look for lips has been dominated by orange, but as Fall comes into the picture the staple red lip in popping cherry and wine-stained hues has once again come back into the spotlight. Fashion houses such as Chanel and Gucci paired this look with the new line and I have to say that it looked devine! Lipsticks to create these looks were Chanel's Red Rouge and M.A.C.'s Runway Red and Ruby Woo.
2. Bold metallic eyes.
Colours such as gold, silver and chrome were used to create futuristic, statement eyes. This was seen in lines like Lavin, Jason Wu and Donna Karan. One product that was used to create this look on the runway was Mabelline New York Eye Studio's Give Me Gold, but Bobbi Brown, M.A.C. and Giorgio Armani also have great selections of metallics to choose from! Also note that for a more subtle look you can simply brush the metallic shadow on your eyelids, but for a dramatic show-stopper try wetting your brush and then applying the shadow and you'll end up with a highly pigmented, solid lid of gorgeous colour!
3. Neutral nails.
This summer bright, out-there manicures have been spotted everywhere but now the natural coloured lacquers are being used to emphasize the masculine trend. Yves Saint Laurent achived this look by using one of their own products YSL La Laque No. 14 (transparent pink).
4. Metallic and mix-and-match manicures.
Also seen on the runway was a series of mix-and-match manicures as well as metallic nails to match the metallic eyes. These were a fun and eye-catching way to play with the over done original french manicure. As seen in House of Holland and Jason Wu lines.
5. Bold brows.
Yet another contrast to previous trends, the new look is to have full, thick brows instead of the covered up, barely there brows (that I personally wasn't a fan of!). Donna Karan teamed her bold brows with soft metallic eyes and rosy cheeks and lips to create a pretty yet striking look. (Lips were achieved by using Revlon's ColourBurst Lipstick in soft rosy pink.)
6. '50's inspired eye liner.
I loved this look as fashion houses created outrageously thick, black liquid lines on the eyes as well as mascara which oozed with sex appeal. This was seen in Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli and D&G.
7. Hair in ponies and plaits.
The hair scene varied from tight dominatrix-like ponies (Louis Vuitton) to loose, unkept plaits (Emilio Pucci) to artfully crafted plaits (Alexander McQueen). All were lovely in their own way and I'll definitely be trying out a few of the styles.
8. Spidery lashes.
After all this time beauty retailers have been coming up with the latest versions of macara to create beautiful divided, long and clump-free lashes but now the trend has taken a turn and short, clumpy (aka spidery) lashes are seen everywhere. Is this a good or a bad thing? I can't decide.. But each to their own and if you like it - Lavin and Gucci do! - then for all means go for it!
Well those are the big hits for Fall! There are some others (such as waxed sideburns?) but they didnt make my list of things to try out. Hope you enjoy - I know I will!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Dukan Diet.
I've been scouring the internet for the best diets and tips for ages and I've found a bunch of interesting things that seem to be working!
1: The Dukan Diet
Basically the Dukan diet is the Atkins diet's mean older brother because not only does it shun carbohydrates but in the first phase it also cuts out everything else except for lean proteins such as egg whites, turkey, chicken breast ect. That means no fruit, no vegetables, no nothing! Its supposed to be really tough but if you stick to this four phase hulk of a diet it gives the fastest results! Models Heidi Klum and Gisele Bündchen used this diet to lose all their baby weight in record time, so theres no denying it works.
Here's a basic low down on the diet in its four stages.
Phase 1: Also known as the "Attack phase", lasts for a maximum of 10 days (depending on how much weight you want to lose). You may only consume lean proteins and season them with non-fat, non-carbohydrate condiments like vinegar ect. Although if necessary one may add one and a half tablespoons of oatmeal a day. You can also have calorie free drinks like coffee and tea which helps fill your stomach and keeping your hunger at bay. But beware of the side affects - Bad breath (!) and a dry mouth (if you don't drink enough water!). It has been said that the dieter can expect to lose about 7 - 10 pounds in the first five days!
Phase 2: Aka "Cruise phase", lasts until you achieve your goal weight. You now are allowed to add vegetables to your diet but ONLY on alternating days to protein only days. (Basically only protein one day and then only protein and vegetables the next day ect) But vegetables are limited to only those that do not contain starch! Here dieters can expect to lose about two pounds a week.
Phase 3: Aka "Consolidation phase", this phase starts once you have reached your target wight and it allows you to slowly add other foods such as fruit and carbohydrates to your diet. It says you can help yourself to a serving of fruit and two slices of whole grain to your daily diet as well as an extra serving of carbs a week such as pasta or rice; but beware of overdoing your new food privileges because you don't want all that hard work to go down the drain!
Phase 4: Aka "Stabilization phase", this is the phase that continues for your WHOLE LIFE. Basically it allows you to eat all the foods that you love but base your diet on the "consolidation phase" so that you don't start packing on the pounds. It also says that having one protein only day a week will help keep your weight at bay. But remember - you have to be realistic in this phase, basically meaning you can't pig out on cake everyday just because the diet says you can eat more of the food you love. You should always keep your sugar and fat intake to a minimum, don't overdo the carbs and for goodness sake don't go near the fast food restaurants! If you want a burger why not try making them yourself with a healthy recipe online? Or have sweet potato baked fries instead of fatty, deep fried Maccy D's 'heart attack waiting to happen'.
* Also remember:
Exercise is of course important for the success of this diet! Dieters must have brisk 20 minute walks DAILY in phase one and up it to 30 minute walks for phases 2, 3 and 4. Feel free to do more including toning and weight training for better results!
On a whole the dieter should not consume more than 800 - 1200 calories a day!
More diets and tips will come in future posts!
1: The Dukan Diet
Basically the Dukan diet is the Atkins diet's mean older brother because not only does it shun carbohydrates but in the first phase it also cuts out everything else except for lean proteins such as egg whites, turkey, chicken breast ect. That means no fruit, no vegetables, no nothing! Its supposed to be really tough but if you stick to this four phase hulk of a diet it gives the fastest results! Models Heidi Klum and Gisele Bündchen used this diet to lose all their baby weight in record time, so theres no denying it works.
Here's a basic low down on the diet in its four stages.
Phase 1: Also known as the "Attack phase", lasts for a maximum of 10 days (depending on how much weight you want to lose). You may only consume lean proteins and season them with non-fat, non-carbohydrate condiments like vinegar ect. Although if necessary one may add one and a half tablespoons of oatmeal a day. You can also have calorie free drinks like coffee and tea which helps fill your stomach and keeping your hunger at bay. But beware of the side affects - Bad breath (!) and a dry mouth (if you don't drink enough water!). It has been said that the dieter can expect to lose about 7 - 10 pounds in the first five days!
Phase 2: Aka "Cruise phase", lasts until you achieve your goal weight. You now are allowed to add vegetables to your diet but ONLY on alternating days to protein only days. (Basically only protein one day and then only protein and vegetables the next day ect) But vegetables are limited to only those that do not contain starch! Here dieters can expect to lose about two pounds a week.
Phase 3: Aka "Consolidation phase", this phase starts once you have reached your target wight and it allows you to slowly add other foods such as fruit and carbohydrates to your diet. It says you can help yourself to a serving of fruit and two slices of whole grain to your daily diet as well as an extra serving of carbs a week such as pasta or rice; but beware of overdoing your new food privileges because you don't want all that hard work to go down the drain!
Phase 4: Aka "Stabilization phase", this is the phase that continues for your WHOLE LIFE. Basically it allows you to eat all the foods that you love but base your diet on the "consolidation phase" so that you don't start packing on the pounds. It also says that having one protein only day a week will help keep your weight at bay. But remember - you have to be realistic in this phase, basically meaning you can't pig out on cake everyday just because the diet says you can eat more of the food you love. You should always keep your sugar and fat intake to a minimum, don't overdo the carbs and for goodness sake don't go near the fast food restaurants! If you want a burger why not try making them yourself with a healthy recipe online? Or have sweet potato baked fries instead of fatty, deep fried Maccy D's 'heart attack waiting to happen'.
* Also remember:
Exercise is of course important for the success of this diet! Dieters must have brisk 20 minute walks DAILY in phase one and up it to 30 minute walks for phases 2, 3 and 4. Feel free to do more including toning and weight training for better results!
On a whole the dieter should not consume more than 800 - 1200 calories a day!
More diets and tips will come in future posts!
My new workout schedule.
I made this schedule considering a bunch of sources on the web that I've read, so hopefully I've covered all the areas necessary. I'll try it out and see how everything goes - I might make changes here and there if I feel that certain things need tweaking.
I've included cardio exercises such as running/jogging and the elliptical machine, I also added in a Zumba class to try - I'm not the biggest fan of dancing but we'll see if I like it or not. For toning I have compiled a circuit to hit all the target areas (based on a circuit done by Megan Fox) and then I've alternated my days with yoga so that I get additional toning and sculpting.
Weekly workout:
Monday: Toning Circuit x 3
- crunches (30 seconds)
- hypertensions (30 seconds)
- reverse crunch (30 seconds)
- lateral crunch right (30 seconds)
- lateral crunch left (30 seconds)
- plank (30 seconds)
- ball leg lifts (30 seconds)
- lateral plank right (30 seconds)
- lateral plank left (30 seconds)
- side ab bends (30 seconds)
- rest (90 seconds)
Running/jogging (10 minutes)
Elliptical Machine (30 minutes)
Stretch (10 minutes)
Tuesday: Yoga
Wednesday: Toning circuit x 3
Running (10 minutes)
Elliptical machine (30 minutes)
Stretch (10 minutes)
OR
Zumba (1 hour)
Thursday: Yoga
Friday: Weight training (45 minutes)
Run (20 minutes)
Stretch (10 minutes)
Saturday: Yoga
Sunday: Rest day
I know I only have one day of weight training but I figured with all the yoga I'll be doing a lot of work training with my own body weight? I'm sure it'll work out fine.
Wish me luck!
I've included cardio exercises such as running/jogging and the elliptical machine, I also added in a Zumba class to try - I'm not the biggest fan of dancing but we'll see if I like it or not. For toning I have compiled a circuit to hit all the target areas (based on a circuit done by Megan Fox) and then I've alternated my days with yoga so that I get additional toning and sculpting.
Weekly workout:
Monday: Toning Circuit x 3
- crunches (30 seconds)
- hypertensions (30 seconds)
- reverse crunch (30 seconds)
- lateral crunch right (30 seconds)
- lateral crunch left (30 seconds)
- plank (30 seconds)
- ball leg lifts (30 seconds)
- lateral plank right (30 seconds)
- lateral plank left (30 seconds)
- side ab bends (30 seconds)
- rest (90 seconds)
Running/jogging (10 minutes)
Elliptical Machine (30 minutes)
Stretch (10 minutes)
Tuesday: Yoga
Wednesday: Toning circuit x 3
Running (10 minutes)
Elliptical machine (30 minutes)
Stretch (10 minutes)
OR
Zumba (1 hour)
Thursday: Yoga
Friday: Weight training (45 minutes)
Run (20 minutes)
Stretch (10 minutes)
Saturday: Yoga
Sunday: Rest day
I know I only have one day of weight training but I figured with all the yoga I'll be doing a lot of work training with my own body weight? I'm sure it'll work out fine.
Wish me luck!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Follow on Bloglovin' !
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2724097/the-final-transformation?claim=b2wagdt8376">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
The plan of action.
My plan of action to "get my butt moving", as my dad puts it, is to do exactly that. I need to start going to the gym everyday except for sunday (my recovery day) and I've been looking around for the best exercises to do to get the best results.
So far the most highly rated cardio exercises for weight loss are: jogging/running, speed walking (walking fast enough to raise your heart rate, spinning and funnily enough jump rope?! Apparently these exercises burn the most calories if done correctly. And although this isn't on the list of best cardio exercises, I really love the elliptical machine (some call it the stepping machine?) because I just close my eyes and day dream while I'm moving and then presto its suddenly 60 minutes later and it feels like you've hardly been there (but remember to keep moving at a relatively fast pace)!
Remember with every cardio workout you should start with some muscle toning! This warms your muscles up for the cardio workout and also starts burning calories so that when it comes to the cardio section your body burns the calories at a faster rate! Some good muscle toning exercises are: plank, reverse sit ups, crunches, V-Ups, and Swiss ball leg raises. You should do these exercises in intervals with short rests only at the end of each circuit.
Next everywhere I look people are also saying that weight training is also essential to weight loss and firming, but the important thing to remember is that to slim down and not to bulk out you have to use lighter weights and do more reps - this creates lean muscle! But this is NOT to be done on the same day as the cardio and toning exercises but slotted in to do about 3 times a week.
I found some sample exercise routines that are used by Victoria Secret Angles, Megan Fox ect which look really good!
1: Livestrong.com
Here is Oscar Smith's Fashion Week Workout for his model clients: five minutes of cardio to warm up; stretching, 10 pushups, 15 squat jumps, 10 leglifts, 10 crunches, three minutes running, 10 arm raises with 5-lb. weights, 10 shoulder presses with 5-lb. weights, 15 curls with up to 10-lb. weights, three minutes jumping rope,15 donkey kicks with each leg, five pullups, 15 situps, three minutes on the elliptical, 15 jumping lunges, 16 swim kicks on floor, 30 seconds of scissor kicks on back, three minutes bicycling, 15 hip raises, five pushups, 10 frog leaps, 15 situps combined with hip raise stretching and a running interval.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/447284-what-is-the-workout-routine-of-a-model/#ixzz1SK3nlxCt
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/447284-what-is-the-workout-routine-of-a-model/#ixzz1SK3nlxCt
2: meganfoxworkout.com/
A Brief Ab Circuit: After warming up with this plank routine, she would then perform 15-20 minutes on an ab based circuit that included Captain Chair leg ups, V-Ups, and Swiss ball leg raises, performed interval-style – hard effort with minimal rest between exercises. By super-setting exercises in this manner, the heart rate stays up, conditioning is enhanced, and it creates a much more effective workout.
3: Victoria Secret Workout
2 minutes: Light stretching, including Good Mornings (Support a weight on your shoulders behing your head and bend forward to a 90 degree agngle [bend knees slightly], use your core and glute muscles to keep stable. Repeat.) and Good Mornings with Knee Bends
1 minute: Jumping Jacks
30 seconds: Platypus Walks (Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, with your toes pointed out. Keep your back straight and sink down into a squat-like position, and raise your arms overhead. Keeping your thighs parallel to the floor, begin walking forward for 15 steps, then walk backward 15 steps. Then rest.)
1 minute: Shadowboxing with Crossovers, Uppercuts and Knee Bends
1 minute: Plié Squats with Calf Raises
2 minutes: Reverse Lunges
1 minute: Squat Thrusts
1 minute: Scissors Reverse Crunches
1 minute: Bench Stepups (if possible, combine with Triceps Kickbacks)
1 minute: Pushups
30 seconds: Platypus Walks (Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, with your toes pointed out. Keep your back straight and sink down into a squat-like position, and raise your arms overhead. Keeping your thighs parallel to the floor, begin walking forward for 15 steps, then walk backward 15 steps. Then rest.)
1 minute: Shadowboxing with Crossovers, Uppercuts and Knee Bends
1 minute: Plié Squats with Calf Raises
2 minutes: Reverse Lunges
1 minute: Squat Thrusts
1 minute: Scissors Reverse Crunches
1 minute: Bench Stepups (if possible, combine with Triceps Kickbacks)
1 minute: Pushups
Then a cardio of your choice.
These are just a few of whats out there but they seem pretty good to me! I'll deliberate all of the exercises I've seen and make a weekly workout schedule to suit my body ect. When I've got it perfected I'll post it and you can all have a look!
If I find any useful tips I'll also be sure to post them!
Just think this could be you!! (A little thinspiration doesn't hurt anyone!)
Just think this could be you!! (A little thinspiration doesn't hurt anyone!)
Friday, July 15, 2011
You have to start somewhere.
I have been trying for some time now to really make a change in my life. A change to make myself better, to perfect myself if you will. I want to be as aesthetically pleasing as I can be - for myself. I know that there are so many different views on what beautiful and whats not but I have no doubt in my mind what kind of beauty I'm aiming for and I'm guessing you don't need to think very hard about it either. Basically something like Megan Fox, Gisele Bündchen - you catch my drift?
I know its basically every girl's dream, but for me to really try and make this a reality I need this blog to keep me motivated and committed to my diet, workout and beauty regime.
So follow me on my quest! Lets hope I see the light at the end of this dark, long and treacherous tunnel...
Anyone is welcome to comment with any advice, personal stories that relate to a post or anything positive!
(Good things only please - I have no need for "Party Poopers" aka Wankers to add nasty things to my blog)
I know its basically every girl's dream, but for me to really try and make this a reality I need this blog to keep me motivated and committed to my diet, workout and beauty regime.
So follow me on my quest! Lets hope I see the light at the end of this dark, long and treacherous tunnel...
Anyone is welcome to comment with any advice, personal stories that relate to a post or anything positive!
(Good things only please - I have no need for "Party Poopers" aka Wankers to add nasty things to my blog)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)