The Lack of Healthy Food Establishments in our Malls!

I went out with the girls to the mall the other day and we ended up being there around lunch time so I was so glad that Tank Juice Bar was there as they offer a range of great salads,wraps,juices and have recently introduced acai bowls! What's even better is they also cater for kids so you can take the whole family there. >> Tank Juice Menu

I loved my salad but upon looking around Tank seemed to be the one of the few establishments in the food court with proper healthy clean foods - and even then Tank is just out from the main food court and Pita Pit is outside the main food court doors (Westfield Westcity). I mean they also have the Cafe Bergerac which offer a healthier menu, and then Matsu Sushi would be your next best bet. Mozaic offers kebabs which is semi healthy but their pastas and sandwiches and other cooked goods are massive in proportion size. Other than that all there is McDonald's, Burger King, Shamiana - Indian and the other various smorgasbord/buffet style food places. Bet you know where the most queues were - you guessed it McDonald's and Burger King and whats even more of a shame that as I looked around it seemed that was all the children were eating. I don't think I saw one child around me that didn't have an unhealthy meal in front of them.

Its such a shame because the mall is inundated with youths and even more so now that we are coming up to school holidays. The options provided are all geared towards takeaways, combos and processed foods and we as a country are trying to encourage healthier living to help tackle our rising obesity rate - the options available there are not helping! I really think in order for society and our youth to begin making healthier decisions there needs to be more education about the options available. Creating bad habits in our youth now will only lead to problems later - I'm not saying they should never eat it just that they need to be more informed about the decisions they are making. While it may taste great what its doing to your body isn't so great - so if you got littlies start now :)

So my question is what healthy establishments do you have in your local mall? Are there more and where are the most queues?

Transformation Tuesday! YOU CAN DO IT!

Transformation Tuesday

I hope everyone had an amazing long weekend! Did you manage to fit in any fitness? 

My first picture that I always show was from my 21st birthday and was the trigger for my initial weightloss journey. Looking back at old dancing pics and a few others I realised that I was actually at my biggest before my birthday. 

I was working a 7-6 job, eating whatever and whenever I felt like it, I was still however quite active (dancing, Kempo and workouts etc). My day consisted of eating, working, eating, working, followed by more eating and working then sleeping and then I would repeat. My ability to chose healthier meals and nutritional options turned to the quick and easy options such as BK and McD's and when your working with kids all this food is 'normal'. 

I was feeding my body fat not fuel and in return it was giving me back just that - FAT!

Once I kicked my bad habits to the kerb, I definitely noticed a difference.  The weight started to drop a lot easier, I has a lot more energy, I was getting a full nights sleep , my skin was clearer and on top of all that my PCOS symptoms started to decrease. (It is generally a lot harder for women with PCOS to lose weight. For more information on PCOS please check out the website: - http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary_syndrome)

You have no idea the wealth of knowledge you start to acquire once you've made the conscious commitment to the happier, healthier and fitter lifestyle. For example you become more aware of food in general - but more so in the areas of what is really in our food, is that really 'healthy' or just processed, portion sizes, healthier options and you become a whizz in the kitchen!

My goal is to also encourage others to begin their journey whether it be a weightloss journey or even a fitness journey. Any journey to better yourself and your health is a great journey to begin. Remember for anyone needing a helping hand or someone to talk to I'm here - I know the road to weightloss can be hard and unforgiving sometimes but with the right motivation and enough support you can do it!

Remember happier, healthier, fitter 😄🍏💪

Love,

Milly x

Transformation Tuesday - Throwback!

The size difference still amazes me! 

Every time I look back at my before pictures I can't help but feel embarrassed that I ever looked like that - but at the same time those pictures serve as my motivation.

The left hand side was July 2012, right hand side August 2014. 2 years, 32 kgs weightloss!

I'm so glad I begun my journey to weightloss and am now beginning my new journey to muscles  it's never easy, and it will never be handed to you on a silver platter - you have to get up and have the willpower to say "I can do this" and do it every day!

You may not notice changes in the beginning but slowly you will start to see your life change for the better.  

Remember it's a lifestyle not a diet 🍏

Happier, healthier & fitter

Love,

Milly x

VOGEL'S Cafe-Style Light Almond & Ancient Grains - Review

I really really enjoyed this cereal, not only is it healthy and light but it tastes great. Your not compromising taste for healthier options here. I would have no hesitation at all in recommending this for your breakfast cereal. I'm not a huge cereal eater myself but this one I could eat in the morning, maybe not every morning but a few days a week.

The taste of the grains and the seeds is really pleasant and mixes together well. I was a little hesitant to try it at the start because it didn't look like it would taste the greatest - but don't let it fool you, it tastes amazing and I felt really good after eating it. No bloating, or feeling hungry plus it got me through the whole morning until lunch.

I'll give credit to Vogel's as they have a great 'Compare Products' page which allows for you to compare the nutritional value of all the Vogel's Cereal Range (great for those wanting to compare the sugar, fat, protein values etc)

I've done a review on the Vogel's Peanut Butter Clusters which you can read - Click Here

If you haven't already don't forget to jump over to my Facebook Page and give it a like - I reached over 100 last week so keep an eye out for a giveaway!

Happier, healthier & fitter

Love,

Milly x

VOGEL’s Crunchy Peanut Butter Clusters - Review

So I had the privilege of winning a Vogel's Cereal Pack from In Rhi's Pantry and it arrived on Friday!

Needless to say the girls and I were excited to try out the flavours - naturally I couldn't resist picking up the Vogel's Crunchy Peanut Butter Clusters <3

I am in love and anyone who loves peanut butter will love this cereal too. I'm not a huge cereal fan - but this one takes the cake for being nutritional as well as tasting great! This isn't something I would eat every morning for breakfast but once or twice a week - again perfect for that peanut butter lover! 

I'll give credit to Vogel's as they have a great 'Compare Products' page which allows for you to compare the nutritional value of all the Vogel's Cereal Range (great for those wanting to compare the sugar, fat, protein values etc)

I also tried out the Cranberry, Cashew & Pistachio Luxury Blend Cereal - you can read the review for that cereal on my blog also.

If you haven't already don't forget to jump over to my Facebook Page and give it a like - I reached over 100 last week so keep an eye out for a giveaway!

Happier, healthier & fitter

Love,

Milly x

Living with PCOS - Awareness Month!

So you may or may not be aware that this month is PCOS awareness month. Your probably looking at your screen right now wondering what PCOS is - Poly Cystic Ovaries Syndrome or more commonly known as PCOS is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women around the world. Because symptoms can vary from woman to woman it can sometimes be hard to pick up and is most often missed. PCOS can cause women to be overweight, infertile, hirsutism, increased acne etc. It's not easy living with PCOS and there are many women who are still left undiagnosed. 

For those of you who would like to read more on PCOS or find out what its all about you can click below:  

To read more about PCOS - Click Here

I'm writing this post because PCOS is something that affects myself and my family (it can be carried through genetics). It hasn't been easy the tests, weight issues, bad skin, mood swings etc it all adds up over time.

I was placed on the pill to 'regulate' myself and found it still didn't work or wasn't making much of a difference, so I came off the pill and have been doing a lot better since (I have been pill free for a year now). I have got myself into a good routine of healthy eating and exercise and I can say that I believe the cleaner eating and fitter me finds it has been easier tackling the issues I once had with PCOS than it was previously. The weight started to drop off me once I came off my pill, began eating cleaner, exercised more and became more positive.

I stopped looking at PCOS like it was a chore and started making it work more for me, I definitely am not over the moon about having PCOS. But figured I have it, its not going anywhere so I need to start finding a way to fit it into my life without it becoming a burden. 

Below is my picture showing how I lost 30 kilos - I did it with PCOS, without a gym and over a time period as I realised if I tried to fast track it, it could end up causing my PCOS to play up rather than control it.

For any ladies dealing with PCOS who would like to talk - I'm here and so are a bunch of amazing women just like you! See below for a few Facebook Pages for PCOS, they are all lovely ladies, super helpful and all the information on the pages is great for new women being diagnosed with PCOS. We really need to pump the awareness for PCOS because what we do now is what will set the platform the next generation of young girls to come through and lets make sure they get the help and support that they need and that many of us were without. 

Please feel free to spread the awareness around!

Facebook Pages/Groups for PCOS:

PCOS Group

PCOS Group Help

The PCOS Foundation NZ

PCOS - Auckland (For any ladies living in Auckland, NZ)

I have found an amazing group of ladies in each of these groups who are kind, helpful, caring, have tons of information, there for a boost of confidence - you name it these ladies are all amazing and are all PCOS sufferers or supporters

I know this is not like my normal posts, however PCOS affected my inital weight gain and still affects me now as I am working towards muscles. I hope you enjoyed the read.

Lots of Love,

Milly x

PROGRESS Update!!

Progress Update!!! 

I thought I would do a progress update with pictures so you can see the transformation so far this year.

Don't forget if you haven't read my first post about my 30 kilo weight loss journey then you can read it here: http://millysjourneytomuscles.blogspot.co.nz/2014/07/my-two-year-journey-lost-30-kilos.html

Here is my picture from February 2014

and this is my picture from August 2014

I can see a change so far and am happy with the progress I have made, but with the 1st of September going past I'm on a 12 week countdown till Summer and need to step up my game a bit if I want to be ready for then.

These comparison pics help to show the exact change below: 

For those of you wondering I followed a 80% Cleaner Eating, 20% More Exercise regime. I looked at my eating and cut out the crap (the takeaway, munchies, cravings etc) and moved more towards wholefoods to help sustain the energy I was eating. When I was eating takeaways and fast food I would eat the meal and feel full for all of 20 minutes only to be hungry again. When I changed my diet I found I could eat a lot less but still retain the energy I needed to get through the day. Most women complain about not being able to exercise due to time constraints however I believe that the changes I made in my diet contributed to over 70% of my success, the latter 20/30% was exercise and nothing drastic. I really would like to help any girls who are wanting to begin their own journey so feel free to pop me a comment or send me a message at my Facebook Page which can be found here:

Milly's Journey to Muscles Facebook Page

Is anyone else here on their own journey and have their own blog/page I should follow? What have you got in store to get your body fit and ready for summer? I would love to see your stories and pics too. Comment below :)

Lots of love,

Milly x

Time for some Smoothie Making!

Finally went and picked up my brand new blender from Noel Leeming and I cannot wait to get started on some smoothies and juices. Just so you know I bought this with my Fly Buys points so it literally cost me nothing - so make sure you check your points balance, you never know what you might be able to get.

Went fruit and vege shopping and grabbed all the essentials I wanted to make a large batch. I have bought in bulk so I can make a large batch to last me the week.

After all the chopping, peeling and shaking all about I ended up with this yummo bag of mixed fruit and veg ready for me to make smoothies. (Note: I have made this in bulk for a weeks worth of smoothies in a large snaplock bag however you may want to split up your week and therefore I would recommend splitting the mix amongst smaller sandwich snaplock bags) Its great for me to grab out in the morning as it is nice and cold and gives you a nice wake up call. Check out my recipe below for this amazing mix :)

In this lovely bag of fruit and veg amazingness is:

1 bunch of Kale

1/2 bunch of Celery

2 large Mangoes

6-8 medium sized Kiwifruit

6-8 medium sized Apples

6-8 medium sized Mandarin/Orange

I chopped and diced and peeled and chucked it all in this bag now to make my smoothie please see below:

Milly's Mix Up

1 & 1/2 cups of the fruit & veg from the bag

1 & 1/2 cups of coconut water (or another juice/water)

1 serving of the Clean, Lean, Protein Powder by Nuzest

1/2 cup of ice (optional)

Blend the crap out of this baby and then serve <3

I found this super yummy and it has all the goodness I need to get me through the day.

I'm thinking of trying a berry one tonight and I can't wait, I'm a huge berry fan! What are some of your fav smoothie mixes?

Lots of love,

Happier, Healthier & Fitter 

Milly x

Need a Healthy Quick Snack?

Here's a quick and easy healthy snack that you can make bulk of and take for your snacks during work! 

Healthy Snack Mix: (2 servings)
1 cup of Almonds
1 cup of Peanuts
1 cup of Pumpkin Seeds (These have amazing health benefits - you should be eating these babies regardless)
1 cup of Dried Banana
1 cup of Raisins
1 cup of Coconut Chips
1 cup of Dried Apricot (optional - I'm not a huge fan of apricots so the choice is all yours)

The mix above usually last me two days worth of snacking and I love it! Beats snacking on something I know I will regret later.

Needing an extra boost of energy during the day or feeling a little peckish is totally fine, however snacking on foods that are only going to deplete your energy even more is not. You need to look at whole foods with nutrients that are going to give you sustained long term energy rather than the quick sugar high you may have been looking for. What's your go to healthy snack?

Hope you enjoyed this quick snack mix and I'd love to hear about your weightloss journey and what methods you tried.

Enjoy!

Milly x

An Apple a Day Keeps The Doctor Away!

It quite literally does! But don't take my word for it check out this awesome little article by Don Tolman.

Check out the article here: http://www.dontolmaninternational.com/blogs/blog/11291929-will-an-apple-a-day-really-keep-the-doctor-away

I love Don and his approach to eating a wholefoods diet. So much of the food we eat nowadays is packed full of unnecessary chemicals and our bodies are paying for it. 

Go check out Don's stuff it is amazing and will totally change the way you think about the food you eat. I am a huge fan of his "Wholefood Medicines" and "MediSins and PharmaceutiKills" books which outline what foods to eat to cure specific ailments and what the pharmaceutical world is actually doing to us. Don clearly shows the faults that are in our medical system and how opting for a wholefoods diet could cure your condition rather than trying to treat it with a plethora of pills and tablets. 

Check out Don's Books here:

http://www.dontolmaninternational.com/collections/books-dvds/products/farmacist-desk-reference-vol-3

It's a great read and I know you will start cutting food items out of your diet straight away. I did, as soon as I found out what margarine was originally created for and the fact that it is two ingredients away from being paint/plastic literally makes my stomach churn. As soon as I found out I cut it out of my diet.

I mean they are literally selling us plastic to eat, you may as well go grab a pot of paint and start having a spoonful. Go check out Don's amazing website (plus I forgot to mention he even has his own range of wholefood cleanses you can buy called 'Pulse'. As well as he also has his own organic toothpaste, deodorants, natural healing agents etc.)

Check out Don's store here:

http://www.dontolmaninternational.com/collections/all

Don't even get me started on what is in toothpaste, but Don's toothpaste is great it made my teeth so much whiter in days - I will admit the taste is a little unusual but better to be unusual than toxic.

These are all my personal opinions and I hope you enjoy them as well as look further into Don's work you won't be disappointed.

Anyone else have any stories they would like to share? I would love to know what other foods people have cut out of their diets :)

Don't forget an apple a day keeps the doctor away!

Lots of love,

Milly x