A Dummies Guide to Protein Powders (12 wk Weight Loss Challenge)

<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As part of my 12 week weight loss challenge I have included taking protein powder as a supplement to my workout. The world of protein powders can be very overwhelming which is why I thought this post may help you along the dreaded path of finding which product is right for you.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you're interested in knowing a little more about protein shakes and wondering if it is something you should be taking. You turn to your old friend GOOGLE to gain some information about the product and BAM your overloaded with a surplus of cryptic information with most coming from brands skewing the truth so you buy their product. It can be difficult to decipher fact from fiction which is why I have spent the time doing the hard work for you to provide you with a somewhat beginners guide to protein and what led me to the product I have chosen.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let start with the basics – <b>what is protein</b> and <b>should I be taking it as part of my fitness plan?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Protein is essential to your workout plan whether you are trying to lose weight, tone or build muscle. Protein comes from many sources like your meats, fish, eggs and select veggies or if you’re like me you know it can be quickly and easily consumed in the form of a drink. But don’t be fooled as its not quite as simple as grabbing the cheap and nasty “SlimFast” products off the supermarket shelf. Many of these products are filled with carbs and fat which claim to make you feel fuller for longer when instead they are simply filling you with non-nutritional nasties that do nothing good for your health in the long run.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Potent protein powders are different, they are not really made to be a meal replacement and shouldn't sell you on doing so. A rich protein powder is recommended for athletes, body builders and avid exercises as it is a means of replacing muscle glycogen whilst helping the body recover from vigorous training. So I hear the ladies minds ticking over “but I don’t want to build muscle I want to lose weight”, let me remind you that muscles are they key cells in our bodies that burn calories and thus help you to lose weight. If you focus your fitness regime on building lean and tones muscles then your body will become a calorie burning machine helping you to drop that unwanted weight. Just 500grams (or 1 pound) of extra muscle results in an extra 40 to 50 or so extra calories being burnt every day to keep that muscle alive – that’s 40 to 50 calories being burnt while you are resting. (To learn more about this I recommend reading “Fat Burning Furnace” by Rob Poulos.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lets take it one step further. When you are on a weight loss plan and have lowered your calorie intake unfortunately your body rids itself of muscle, as muscles burn calories and your body is fighting to store them in its time of famine. So protein is essential in allowing your body to fuel your muscles despite a lower calorie intake.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwyefer_AUmqBGlnXkr14zpElK3NhCHwt7DZ5U7a55C40bkiZvSBMeIQM567MExKocRKILO-qNMWQIR15kX6w_5acHFNK56ji1ScBzgjOBGh2Dre8Onws4uSS66HYj11VJVeaIMS_UhhG/s1600/Dymatize+ISO+100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwyefer_AUmqBGlnXkr14zpElK3NhCHwt7DZ5U7a55C40bkiZvSBMeIQM567MExKocRKILO-qNMWQIR15kX6w_5acHFNK56ji1ScBzgjOBGh2Dre8Onws4uSS66HYj11VJVeaIMS_UhhG/s320/Dymatize+ISO+100.jpg" width="211" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok so now we understand what protein is and why it is important now comes the tricky part – <b>choosing a product</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many types of proteins available on the market in the form of soy protein, egg protein, casein proteins, however the most popular and naturally complete protein is your <i>whey protein</i>. After doing a ridiculous amount of research and speaking to some industry professionals I chose <b>‘Dymatize ISO 100 100% Hydrolized Whey Protein Isolate’</b>. “What the…” I hear you say and yes the title can be quite overwhelming so I am going to break down all the parts that make up this product.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Whey Protein Isolate </b>– Whey is a dairy protein which assists in building muscle. For those of you who already know a bit about protein you know there is a whey protein isolate and a whey protein concentrate. Isolate is more pure and lactose free thus easily digestible. Isolate is more pure containing 90 – 94% protein whilst Concentrate has a ratio of only 70 – 85%<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>100% Hydrolized – </b>Without getting to technical hydrolized whey allows it to get into your system quicker thus enabling a faster rebuild and recovery of your muscles.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dymatize ISO100</b> -This refers to a highly pure isolised whey made from whey protein isolate (WPI). Once this is ingested the protein is absorbed at an extremely fast rate. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This product is lactose free, gluten free, fat free and carb free (in most flavours) and boast a whopping 24g of protein per 28g serve (approx. 86%). The gourmet chocolate flavour is amazing - it feels like a treat for me. It is easily mixed with milk or water leaving no clumpy bits. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without ranting on and on I hope this has given you a quick and easy insight into the world of protein powders. Whilst I am not an industry expert and am in no way affiliated with the Dymatize products, in my opinion the ISO 100 is one of the best on the market (whilst a little pricey) and a product I enjoy after every workout. My weight loss journey will include muscle toning workouts supported by a nutritious diet and the supplement of having a protein shake after every workout. The protein shake will encourage quick recovery and sustain the health of all my muscles and thus resulting in a more efficient calorie burning regime. </span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yasmin xx </span><o:p></o:p></div>

A Dummies Guide to Protein Powders (12 wk Weight Loss Challenge)

As part of my 12 week weight loss challenge I have included taking protein powder as a supplement to my workout. The world of protein powder...

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Garcinia Cambogia Review (Wedding Weight Loss Challenge)

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As part of my 12 week weight loss challenge I have been taking what Dr Oz has explained as the "Miracle Pill" Garcinia Cambogia. After many questions on the topic I offer you my top tips on what to look for when choosing a product and my overall review on its weight loss effects.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0SqhzaxMLSY?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yasmin xx</span></div>

Garcinia Cambogia Review (Wedding Weight Loss Challenge)

As part of my 12 week weight loss challenge I have been taking what Dr Oz has explained as the "Miracle Pill" Garcinia Cambogia. A...

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Day 6: Weight Loss Challenge

<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been almost 1 week since I began my 12 week weight loss challenge. I thought it might be a good time to first share with you some of my body stats so we can stay on track:</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9yO9F5c5T4Fnb16A_Yj6byv7unAd45r1e9u3BaeCr5pdPh9LOs1-69q8RmhG7DfKYzlQ94H1hJMah1Sv7-oMx8er-FKq-O8kZEMDBjy_Q8pNDIe3Z1ruroZM0ahiFF18cSsjtm9Kw4-y/s1600/Me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9yO9F5c5T4Fnb16A_Yj6byv7unAd45r1e9u3BaeCr5pdPh9LOs1-69q8RmhG7DfKYzlQ94H1hJMah1Sv7-oMx8er-FKq-O8kZEMDBjy_Q8pNDIe3Z1ruroZM0ahiFF18cSsjtm9Kw4-y/s320/Me.JPG" width="143" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></b></div><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Body Stats:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight: 71kg<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Height: 171cm<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BMI: 24 (within the healthy weight range *sigh of relief*)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Please visit the <a href="http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/BMI/bmicalc.htm" target="_blank">National Heart Lung and Blood Institute</a> to receive a accurate calculation of your BMI <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Goal:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would like to be a happy, healthy 65kg. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So how has my week so far been? Truth be told I have experienced my weak moments. I have what feels like a heavy addiction to chocolate – if I don’t get my daily dose I start to panic and all types of crazy are unleashed from deep within me. So whilst this hasn’t been the most pleasant experience for my fiancé I do feel each day is becoming a little easier to manage. For those of you that suffer from the same sweet tooth dilemma I offer the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b><b>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">   </span></b><b>Avoid the all or nothing approach<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As soon as you tell yourself (with chocolate in hand) this is the last piece im going to enjoy for a long time, the feeling of deprivation kicks in and before you know it your swimming in a sea of chocolaty goodness and the habit escalates. Rather than taking this all or nothing approach make a plan to cut down rather than to cut out. I have been enjoying a small piece every 3^rd day and hopefully aim to cut right down to enjoy just a little piece once a week.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">  </span></b><b>Have a Plan<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask yourself what would be an appropriate substitute for your chocolate addiction. I am finding that juicy fruits such as oranges and pineapple curve my sugar cravings or a refreshing pot of herbal tea (try peppermint or berry).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3.</b><span style="font-size: 7pt;">  </span><b>Change the Type of Chocolates you eat</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rather than indulging in the common chocolate bar you find at your local grocers go for a dark chocolate or a more expensive and pure brand. When you eat a piece of chocolate take the time to really enjoy rather than mindlessly eating whilst in front of the TV.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is certainly not an easy task and the thought of giving up the daily intake is certainly overwhelming - in fact as I type this I feel the urge to bolt to the local shop and buy up their entire supply for safe keeping. I assure you though this is achievable and can really make the difference on the scales. I encourage you to think of the big picture rather than the now. Goodluck on your journey and please feel free to share your experiences with us below.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yasmin xo </span></div>

Day 6: Weight Loss Challenge

It has been almost 1 week since I began my 12 week weight loss challenge. I thought it might be a good time to first share with you some of ...

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12 Week Wedding Weight Loss Challenge

<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the wedding day approaches stress, late night planning and a busy schedules of fittings and appointments all lead to one thing... naughty snacking. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I absolutely do not advocate fad or crash diets - particularly when you want to have that radiant bridal glow, I am all for healthy living through lifestyle change.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is 4 months until my wedding (Nov 2013 eekk..) so in the spirit of "doing it together" I am going to embark upon a journey of hard work and sacrifice in order to reach my goal before the big day. My grand plan is to finish up my weight loss challenge 1 month prior to the wedding to fit in with may last dress fitting and also to avoid any last minute unnecessary stress.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So after weeks of research (reading, net surfing and talking with friends and industry professionals) I have decided to combine the best parts of numerous programs into 1 simple easy to manage plan. I am by no means an expert or professional in this area and I have no idea if what I have put together is going to work - but I guess if you join me on the journey we will find out together. I am hopeless at counting calories and weighing everything I eat so this plan will be simple, easy to follow and based on common sense and clean eating. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is my week by week 3 month plan:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FOOD:</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It is recommended to eat 5 small meals each day to speed up your metabolism and curve sugar cravings. I will choose 1 item daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and 2 items from snacks as listed below. It is important to remember your portion size is everything so don't over do it!</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b><b>Breakfast</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2x Poached Eggs on Wholemeal Toast with Mushrooms and Spinach</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spinach and Mushroom Frittata</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Muesli</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fruit and Yoghurt (I love Activia Yoghurt)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whey Protein Shake</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Banana or Berry Smoothie</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lunch</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Char-grilled Chicken Skewers with Salad</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cold Rolls (or rice paper rolls)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicken, Zucchini & Cottage Cheese Pocket</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vegetable Soup</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Curried Egg & Lettuce Sandwich </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ham or Rare Roast Beef and Salad Wrap</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sushi</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuna Salad</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grilled Meat, Chicken or Fish with 2 cups of salad or vegetables</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beef or Chicken Teriyaki Vegetable Stirfry with Brown Rice or Noodles</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vegetable Stack</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greek Lamb Salad</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soup (Broccoli, Minestrone, Pumpkin)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prawn Pad Thai</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicken, Pumpkin and Cottage </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snacks</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Veggie Sticks with Hommus or Cottage Cheese</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low Fat Yogurt </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fruits </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Corn Thins with Cottage Cheese, Tomato and Avocado</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Handful of Nuts and Seeds</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whey Protein Shake</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Herbal Tea or Decaf Coffee / Tea</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Supplements</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whey Protein - after a strenuous workout </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Garcinia Cambogoia - twice daily 1/2hr before meals (As seen on Dr Oz) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Avoid</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Potato, White Rice, Cereal, Pasta, Bread, Caffeine, Fruit Juice, Soft Drinks, Cordial, Alcohol, Sweets/Chocolate, Refined Foods, Cakes and Biscuits </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My most important areas to focus on is water intake, 2 litres a day (*sigh* I struggle to drink 500ml so this will be a difficult task) and curving my sugar addiction - particularly chocolate this truly is my greatest weakness!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>EXERCISE:</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Choose at least 3 activities a week, w</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>hen it comes to exercise I think its important to be creative and mix it up. Include activities you love - otherwise from previous experience you will end up hating the whole process!</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indoor Bike / Cross Trainer / Treadmill  (30-45 mins)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A walk or run with the dogs (30-45 mins)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mount Lofty Climb (For this of you who live in Adelaide this is a 7.8km uphill climb)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Squat Challenge (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDpB8pWEjhk">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDpB8pWEjhk</a>)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waist Slimming Pilates (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUur9Jqm64c">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUur9Jqm64c</a>)</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come along with me on the journey! Over the next 12 weeks I will share with you my struggles and breakthroughs once a week via video and blog posts. Lets lend one another support and encouragement to shed those unwanted kilos and find our inner bridal glows! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yasmin xx </span>

12 Week Wedding Weight Loss Challenge

As the wedding day approaches stress, late night planning and a busy schedules of fittings and appointments all lead to one thing... naughty...

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