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

Milly's 4 Ingredient, No Bake, Healthy Snack

Here's one for you peanut butter and chocolate lovers!

As promised the recipe is below for my healthy clusters:

> 8 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter - organic, or natural is better.

> 8 Tablespoons of low fat milk

> 1 cup of dark chocolate chips - dark chocolate is much better for you

> 3 cups of old fashioned rolled oats

1. Mix peanut butter, low fat milk and chocolate chips together on a low heat in a saucepan until melted.

2. Add in the oats and mix well - take off the heat

3. Drop 16 clusters into muffin cases or baking paper (I prefer muffin cases as it's less messy later)

4. Place in refrigerator - eat as necessary 💛

Each cluster is roughly 130 calories but still taste great - I even have my flat mates fighting for them 👊

Happier, healthier, fitter

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

Kayla Itsines - BBG + Workout Clothes

So this kind of happened.! I printed and bound these babies so I can have a hard copy and have it with me to work from.

I'm so excited to begin using the Kayla Itsines BBG. Even better since it's just under 12 weeks till summer, I'll be bikini ready in now time but more importantly fitter, healthier and happier. I've also got the help guide with some awesome meal plans and promotes healthy eating and has a great lifestyle plan to promote overall health. 

The healthy eating shouldn't be so much of a problem for me as I've already made the change to being a cleaner eater and although I'm not worried about the exercises they do look like I'm going to feel the burn, but a good kind of burn.

I've seen so many amazing transformations so I'm hoping by doing this and my added extra fitness that my journey to muscles won't be too far away. I'm also hoping that it will encourage a healthier lifestyle at my house, I live with 6 friends and id really love to incorporate the healthy eating/lifestyle into our menu at home.

I also picked me up a whole outfit from Kmart they have a really awesome range and it's really affordable this outfit below cost me $20. The cute galaxy shorts were $12 and they have under shorts so when your are working out no one can see up - kind of a necessity in my opinion. The sports crop was $8 and is quite comfy. They also had a seamless version but I'm a matching kind of girl and had to get the right colour. 

Excuse my paleness I've always been a bit of a Casper - I look hilarious my legs are so much darker than everywhere else.! Tan needed here - 12 weeks and it'll be summer so bring on that tan and bring on that bod.!

Has anyone else done the Kayla Itsines 12 week BBG? Are there any tips or things I should know that might help? 

I'm super excited and will be giving you updates along the way.! If your doing the Kayla Itsines 12 week BBG too I'd really like to follow your journey so feel free to leave your blog in the comments below or if you have a journey on Instagram follow me @millysjourneytomuscles and I'll follow you back :)

Happier, healthier and fitter! 

Lots of 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

12 Week Countdown - Hello Spring!

Hello Spring! That's right it's the 1st of September so officially its spring! (For those of you not currently living in little ol' New Zealand you will find it indeed is not spring in which case its whichever season it should be in your country).

Which also means 12 more weeks till summer and I can't wait! 12 weeks can fly by super fast so make sure you have a plan in place if your wanting that bikini bod by summer 

You may not want that bikini body, or the box gap thighs for summer - maybe your looking at losing some weight so you feel more confident. Or maybe you've fallen off the bandwagon a few to many times and need that extra boost of confidence to keep going and take the bull by the horns and finally make the commitment to stick to your training.

Imagine the amazing benefits you could gain in the mean time - A) A banging body (any body is banging - not just a 'skinny' one) B) It takes 4 weeks for you to begin noticing a change, 8 weeks for your friends and family and 12 weeks for the rest of the world - this 12 week countdown could be your challenge as well as your reward. C) Your eating habits/training habits will change over the next 12 weeks getting you into a flow where training and eating doesn't have to be hard and can be more of a project rather than a chore - not to mention Christmas isn't too far away after this 12 week countdown. D) If Christmas is only approximately 3 weeks after this 12 week countdown your body will already be in 'beast' mode and be able to jump back into training after your Christmas/New Years temptations - saying that it will also be easier to say 'no' to the naughty foods you once said 'yes' to.

Does anyone have a 12 week plan to get them ready for summer? If so what is it? And what are you doing to keep yourself motivated for the next 12 weeks?

Happier, healthier & fitter

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

Martial Arts is an Amazing Workout.!

I've been doing Martial Arts for the past six years and we have just recently became our own school. I'm super excited for the new direction the school is headed. We even got new uniform tops which I must say aren't exactly the sexiest but they work.

I believe that martial arts is a great workout as well as teaching you many other skills such as focus, determination, discipline and many other great values. Similar to the type of values needed to be able to kick your habits to the kerb and begin living a happier, healthier and fitter lifestyle.

My school focuses on a range of different skills such as forms, self defence and application, weaponry etc. So there is always a variety of workouts. Our school also teaches Tai Chi which I believe is very beneficial for health and although many young people look at it as being slow and boring there are many hidden techniques within the Tai Chi forms which are very useful attacks or serve well when defending.

Maybe you have been encouraging yourself to get fit but never really been a gym or go for a run kind of person. Then martial arts may be for you, not only do you get a workout but you learn skills that you can keep with you for life. Plus you make close friends with other people in your class who are there to help you get through your grades and eventually become very close friends with like minded people. It's great, trust me :)

Lots of love,

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

I Survived My First Crossfit Class.!

So just an update I am alive and still well and I was so worried that I would of been dead by the end of the class. But I loved it yes at times I felt like I was dying but I feel so good after the workout and I can already feel the burn.

It was good to go with another first timer but definitely the killers for me would of been the dumbells and the deadlifts. I enjoyed the ball throws + squats and box jumps although I know I'm going to feel it tomorrow. No pain no gain though I guess! Can't wait to go to another class I really enjoyed the team spirit and encouragement it made the time go a lot faster.

And to refresh later I had my fav UFC refresh coconut water. I love this stuff literally cannot get enough.!

Anyone have any tips for me for next time?? How was your first Crossfit class?

Lots of Love,

Milly x

Media Madness!!

My Facebook page is finally up and running! Click the picture above to be taken to Milly's Journey to Muscles Facebook page, don't forget to like so you can keep up to date with my journey, find new recipes, post tips or ask questions as well as keep an eye out for prizes.

You can also follow my Pinterest board specifically created for Milly's Journey to Muscles here: Click Me!

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest so you can see recipes, workouts, motivational quotes etc

Also Tumblr guys (I'm everywhere haha) Click Here for Tumblr

I can't wait to get my Facebook page booming! So don't forget to like, share and comment on my page. I would love to answer any questions you may have or any tips you can provide me with would be amazing.

Get fit, healthy and happy! x

Lots of Love Milly xx

Im in love with this....

UFC Refresh Coconut Water is so good! I have tried other coconut waters previously and this is by far my fav so far.

I know many people drink this for the health benefits or the essential nutrients but can I just mention how amazing it tastes.! The added benefit of knowing its good for you too just makes it even better

Over the past few years coconut water has become a 'thing' just check out the graph below to have a look at sales of Coconut Water for the last 10 years.

I decided to do some more digging to see what I can find out about coconut water as I have heard of its benefits and then came across this article about Coconut Water being no better for you than water?

Click the article below to have a read

There's Bad News for People Who Swear by Coconut Water - Click Here

What are your opinions do you believe that Coconut Water is better for you and helps retain the essential nutrients you require or is it really just as good for you as water?

I love the taste of coconut water and the supposed benefits, if anyone has any opinions or thoughts let me know. I would just like to see where everyone sits on it and whether or not it is beneficial for me to continue drinking these.

Stay tuned for more

Lots of love Milly x

My 14 Day Tea Tox?!

My 14 day teatox :) Going to start this baby on Monday! Skinny Tea Time can't wait to start tomorrow! Come at me!!

I got this from www.skinnyteatime.com it's free shipping their awesome site makes sure you get all the info you need including meal plans and fitness regimes to follow while doing the detox. 

Stay tuned for an update.

Lots of love,

Milly xx

My Journey Begins..

I've decided to start this blog to keep track of my progress from getting from where I was to where I am now and I where I plan on moving forward to. I will keep you updated with the different fads I try, exercise regimes, eating plans, tea tox's etc. 

My plan is to get the fit body physique with muscles, yet not overly muscly because I'm sorry but this is not sexy >> 

Yet I am drawing inspiration from people such as Jen Selter, Kayla Itsines,  Dana McDonald and Erin Stern.

These are all ladies who in my opinion follow a healthy lifestyle while still obtaining and maintaining their bodies. This is where I'm headed. 

Jen Selter - there is no denying she is a babe and that ass! But her page is more than just about her having the most instagrammed ass. She also has fitness tips, healthy eating, and promotes living a healthy lifestyle.

 Dana McDonald & Erin Stern

Kayla Itsines (Fellow Australasian here)

So who is your motivation? Do you have pictures of where you want to get or who you aim to get like? Post them up here and share your journey with me.

This is my motivation, dont forget to follow along my journey as I post more about it. Get fit, healthy and happy! x

Lots of Love Milly xx

To check out my new website see www.missmillyxx.com

My Two Year Journey - Lost 30 Kilos!!!

14/07/2014

This time two years ago I was uploading my 21st birthday pictures, we had all gone as mythological gods’ and goddesses and of course I went as Aphrodite (Goddess of Love). I had such an amazing time with my family and friends but upon looking through my pictures I realised I was really unhappy with the weight I had gained and decided it was about time I started making better choices and losing some weight.

I had people tell me I needed to lose weight in order to be a better gf (as if my weight had anything to do with being a gf but okay!), to get a better job, to wear nicer clothes. I was told it all. I want to make sure that it is known that I did this for ME and for no one else or their benefits at all. For those who are making the same changes or is thinking of making changes make sure you do it for yourself and no-one else or their opinions.

I’m not saying it is for everyone but I really have noticed a positive difference in my life now than I did two years ago. Two years later, thirty kilo’s lighter, two dress sizes smaller and I feel healthier, happier and better for it. ♥