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

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

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