food

My feature on Channel 4


Last summer I was approached by my friend to apply for this TV show called How to lose weight well. I had already watched the first series and was really excited to apply for it as managing my weight has always been a constant struggle. Me and my girl filled out the application not thinking that we would actually get a call back so quickly as I assumed thousand other applicants would be applying, so picking us would be slim to none. 
After a brief conversation me and girl had a joint Skype interview so that the producers can get a feel of the friendship and vibe we had together. Later on that week we were confirmed for the show and  was booked to start filming the following month!

Reality started to settle in and I started having major doubts. I was feeling super nervous with how I was going to come across on TV and knowing that the whole world will know my business! After being persuaded and reassured by my girl and the production company I decided to remain as one of the cast members. 

The first day of filming is when the presenter reveals what diet you will be on and how long for. As we were not classified as majorly over weight we was placed on a crash diet for “10 days” I say “10 days” but in reality we were only asked to be on the diet for 7 days. My diet was called the “low fat diet” where I basically had to avoid high fatty foods, takeaways, alcohol and sweet treats. I needed to have 3 square meals with fruit, veg and wholewheat foods such as brown rice, pasta and bread. 

When I read all of this information my first thought was “what weight can I lose eating all theses carbs!?” I was just so used to abusing my body doing the most ridiculous things trying to lose weight that I never really imagine just eating healthy and working out would actually work. 

Throughout my diet week I had to document my journey filming my personal Vlogs alongside filming with the production team. As we were only on the “10 day diet” filming was very demanding and at times felt really intrusive! We filmed everywhere including in the gym where I was filmed sweating it out in my boxercise class. I really made an effort with gym because I really wanted to see a difference within my diet week. 

On the 7th day of the diet it was time to reveal our weight lost just before our event. I was super nervous what the outcome would be but I knew I had stuck to the plan and killed it in the gym! 

I couldn’t not believe that what I saw on the scales! In 7 days eating healthy I lost over 1 stone! I was ecstatic that my hard work paid off. Throughout filming and after we had to keep quiet about featuring on the show so when it was aired on 17/01/17 you can imagine my anticipation with how my friends and family will react seeing me on their TV screens. 

All feedback was so positive for the little they did show of my story. I understand how production works but I was very shocked of the amount of footage that wasn’t not included. I must admit I felt a little cheated. I put so much effort with being truthful and exposed on camera so for It to not have been featured was a little disheartening. 

Following on from my experience I’ve learned to not be negative/ worried about myself and how I will come across to people. My experience has taught me to say yes to daring things and to not be scared of the outcome. I would not personally regard the diet I was placed on as a crash diet. I was not depriving myself from food, just simply eating healthy. Definitely something worth up keeping! Xo

Table for ONE please 

  
Being a single woman means that you have some form of tolerance being on your own and enjoying your own company. Out of all my friends I am now the only single one left which really has become apparent to me in the last 2 months. The dynamics of friendships have changed/ altered and although I am used to living the single lifestyle, calling up girlfriends to accompany me for drinks or a meal is not as easy as it used to be. Yesterday I was tired and hungry and all I craved for was prawn linguine so instead of fighting my cravings and staying wrapped up in bed hungry and miserable, I decided to doll myself up and cater to my own needs. Dinning alone can’t be that bad can it? Well yesterday I decided to shake off the fear of eating alone in public and go for it. 

Entering the restaurant wasn’t a problem, I was greeted with smiles and warm hellos but as soon as the words “table for one” exited out of my mouth the sympathetic looks from the female hostess immediately made me realise Shit, I’m really about to sit in this intimate Italian restaurant and eat alone. I encountered a few stares from females dining with their other halves and smiles from men dining with friends but my overall experience was… Pleasant. Surprisingly I enjoyed my meal, I enjoyed having time to myself, time to think and reflect on things. Will I do it again? Most likely. Why should I just sit at home alone missing out on things I want. This is not necessarily how I planned or want my life to be, but I’m used to catering to my own needs so taking myself out alone should not be an issue…. I guess 

12 more days…

Till I have completed my 30 day Vegan Challenge and I am still feeling optimistic and just a tad but lighter 🙂
I am essentially sticking to 3 meals a day with the odd snack In between such as fruit or Ryvita. I am 100% back on my fitness, attending spinning, boxing and freestyle sessions… I am in agony as I type this lol

Cooking my meals has become a way of life for me now, I don’t have to think about what I’m going to cook in advance. I just raid my fridge, cupboards and create yummy dishes.

Here’s some meals I’ve devoured this week 🙂

Dish 1: Cauliflower & Butter Squash with Couscous and Avocado

Dish 2: Red Pea and Sweet Potato soup

Dish 3: Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Red Pea (Kidney Beans) curry with Couscous

Dish 4: Half a Sweet Potato topped with Cannellini Beans, Flageolet Beans, Adzuki Beans cooked with Mushrooms, Green Beans and Spinach

 

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Mid way through my challenge

I am now mid way through my second week of my 30 day Vegan challenge and I’m feeling great! I am really enjoying this way of eating and my body feels better for it, however I do now and then miss my smoked salmon and cheese.
When it comes to fitness I am in need of an effective workout plan to get my body right and tight so i am currently researching etc. But that is no excuse to skip the gym so this week I have managed to dragged my bum to spinning classes and freestyle sessions to jump start the burning of unwanted fat! Lol

Here’s a few dishes I made this week
Lentil vegetable soup and vegetable stir fry cooked with soy ginger teriyaki sauce 🙂

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Vegan food!!!

Day 4 of my vegan challenge and I’m finding it smooth sailing.
Great snack to have if you’re feeling peckish Ryvita crisp bread lightly coated in organic smooth peanut butter (no palm oil) and chopped banana. Very yummy!

Last night I had potato, peas and aubergine medley with couscous. I’ve had couscous 3 days in a row now so tonight I will be making pumpkin and leeks soup.

I’ve got to switch it up a little 🙂

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