Toning

Nearly one week has passed since I completed the Launch plan. I still feel great, probably because I'm eating right food and still juicing daily. 

I must admit, more you have more you want. We finally have sun in the UK, so it is time to get the shorts and summer dresses out of the box. I got mine out on Tuesday and after trying on decided my body needs toning. Despite regular exercise there are still parts of me (in my opinion) far from perfect. Actually, only one part. Lower back. I should be grateful and thankful to nature for giving me the body shape a lot of women desire - pear. I have small waist and curved hips. But being a pear means all the fat from my body is stored on my bottom half. Ok, I have peachy bum, which I secretly hate and my boyfriend loves (I'm kind of the freak that wants a flat one), not too big and not too small apparently. But above that peach there's a top of unevenly risen muffin. My stomach is almost flat, needs only a little bit of toning, but this back muffin top drives me mad at the moment. It's not as bad in the winter, I can cover it with lose jumper etc. It's summer now and I want to wear shorts, maybe even bikini, so it has to go. As I already have quite healthy, balanced diet the only solution is exercise. Work out that will target the middle part of me, focusing on lower back. So, on top of my normal cardio (running, cross trainer, bike etc) I started doing intense ABS workout from Jillian Michaels' DVD - "6 weeks 6 pack". Sounds promising, doesn't it. Why have I picked this one amongst the other ABS workout DVDs? Well, I have been doing Jillian's 30 days shred and it was really good, I toned my legs and arms, which are stronger than ever. She's called the TV's toughest trainer after The Biggest Loser show and let me tell you - she sure is!!! She helped The Biggest Loser contestants work their way to leaner body, she looks totally toned herself too, so whatever she does must be working. 

6 weeks 6 pack workout consists of 2 levels, each around 35 mins including warm up and toning, targeting whole core with a bit of cardio. Must admit, it is very intense, but as we all know, hard work pays off. Hopefully in 6 weeks I will have at least 4 pack and this damn dodgy muffin top will go. 

I should probably post a pic of my stomach now and after 6 weeks, but I really don't like taking pictures of my body when it's not in the shape I want it to be. I might post pics of the result, all depends how confident I feel with my body then. 

Really hope to achieve visible results before mid July, my holiday by the sea. I would love to wear a bikini (if the weather is good enough, it's UK after all) and for that my middle has to be absolutely spot on. 

Sometimes I wish I wasn't such a perfectionist and was happy with what I already have haha.

Right, time for well deserved today rest. Feel like a long bubbly bath and some pampering. I like to be nice to my body after pushing it to limits like I did today (5k run and other at the gym, followed by 35 mins 6pack work out).

Until next time xxx

Day 7

The Launch Plan has come to an end. I feel great, have loads of energy, my skin is brighter and I think I've even lost some inches as a bonus. Conclusions - juice juice juice yourself slim and happy!!!!
The Launch week has also prepared me for a long term changes, which is it's point I suppose. Chocolate and junk food cravings have gone and all I crave now is salmon (haha strange , protein probably) and coffee (yes - still coffee addict). Tomorrow I'll wake up and have a cup of warm water with lemon and then make my breakfast smoothie. It has to be mango, it wasn't included in the Launch Plan and I do miss it. Like I mentioned before, I'm going to stick to having juices/smoothies for breakfast, with some oats or eggs on a Sunday maybe, as sort of a treat. I will also keep having soup every day, there's so many delicious recipes for those, so I don't think I will ever get bored. One thing I have found little challenging (but not impossible!) during the Launch was preparing everything in advance for the whole day at work. From this week I think I will be little more flexible here, luckily there's a supermarket near my office, which means I can just buy ingredients for a salad on the way in and put it together at lunch time. Good option will be a pre-made salad as well, I think every supermarket has them in the fresh veg aisle, they always pack dressing in the small sachet, so it's easy to swap for a better one (love balsamic vinegar or a lemon/lime juice on my salads).

So this is the last post from the 7 days Launch Programme. I want to thank all of my lovely Twitter friend's for the support and great comments. If I got anyone into juicing, I'm really please, it is fantastic for our bodies, how could it not be though - all fresh and natural ingredients we lucky to receive from Mother Nature.
Happy to answer all questions anyone might have about this or other juicing plan (done them all now, some more than once).

Have a great coming week everyone!!!!
Juice love xxxxx

P.S. I'm not going anywhere, will still be blogging, about juicing, nutritious eating, fitness and anything else that I feel I would like to share my opinions about. Must admit, got hooked up to blogging :)

Speak very soon x

Day 6

Today turned out to be really busy and I wish days sometimes have more than 24 hours. I started a day with a cup of warm water with lemon, like I do every day. Done some morning workout, bit more than usually as didn't have to rush around to make it to work on time. In the week I try to do at least 15 minutes of morning stretching or bouncing on the mini trampoline, just to wake my body up and give metabolism a kick.

This morning apart from my beloved mini trampoline workout to Jason Vale's DVD I did Level 3 of Jillian Michael's 30 Days Shred DVD workout. I highly recommend this intensive circuit, especially if you don't have much time to exercise. There are 3 levels depending on how fit you are, starting at level one and moving gradually onto level 3 when you know you're ready. Each level is 20 mins of strength, cardio and ab workout, followed by few minutes of stretching. I've been introduced to it by a friend, busy mum of a 1 year old, who praises it to high heavens. Apparently a lot of new mums use it to get rid of the baby fat. Must admit, it does work, especially for my abs :)

After the workout I had my yummylicious smoothie and went for a yoga class at my gym. It was amazing, feel stretched and very relaxed right now. My knee, which has been hurting this morning, feels a lot better too, which means I can go for a run tomorrow.

Today was a Body Shop treat day for me. Having a Love Your Body membership card means I can take advantage of all the amazing offers, which they have quite often. This weekend is a free gift up to £15 value when spending £5!!! Absolute bargain, and I absolutely love bargains!!! My bathroom is now stocked with some more Shea Body Butter and shower gels from the same range. As a free gift I chose one of their fragrances, Limited Edt Sun Kiss scent. Fruity and light will be perfect for the summer. Providing we will actually have summer this year.

Spending most of my day out meant having lunch quite late, today it was a soup, which as always was delicious. 

At dinnertime I got to use my teeth for the first time since last Sunday. Last meal today was a green pesto salad, lovely but I couldn't actually finish it, even though I haven't made the full 1 person's serving. This means that my body is filling up on quality more than quantity now I think. 

That would be it for today, I'm going to treat myself to a bit of pampering now. Love Saturday evening pampering. I might be getting old, but my favourite way of spending Saturday night when my boyfriend isn't here is a hot bath, face mask, glass of wine and a book (this week it's without the wine of course). I don't even miss the nights out clubbing, which seemed so much fun when I was in my teens and early twenties. 

Have a great evening everyone!!! Talk tomorrow!!!

Juice love xxx

Day 5

So I'm getting close to the end of the Launch plan. I don't think about it as the end though, but as the beginning of permanent changes in my diet. Like I mentioned before, I'm going to follow the Juice Yourself Slim suggestion and have smoothies/juices for breakfast then same or soup for either lunch or dinner.
Today I had my first (I think) food craving this week. I really fancy a salmon with some vegetables. Here's the idea what to have for dinner on Monday :) I'm really pleased to crave this sort of food and not chocolate, crisps, etc. Must admit, chocolate is actually last thing I would want to eat. Smell of it actually made me feel a little sick today, when a person at the office was tucking into their chocolate cheesecake on bourbon biscuit base. Even thinking about it now makes me feel slightly sick. Good sign I suppose.
On the weight/inch loss side, which I think many of reading my posts might be curious about, I did notice today that might trousers aren't as tight as they were last week. I haven't weighed myself before starting the programme, as it wasn't my priority to lose weight and my workout routine is causing muscle gain and these weigh more than fat, so the numbers on the scales wouldn't really be a good measure anyway. I have definitely lost some inches overall, I notice that by my clothes. I would lie if I said it makes no difference, I am after all as body conscious as probably most women are. But the most important effect of the Launch is the way I feel, my sky high energy level, brighter skin (even spots started going away :) and better mood. I'm confident to say that even if I didn't lose any weight while juicing I would still be extremely happy that I did it. Feeling good inside makes feeling good outside.
Tomorrow for the first time this week I will be using my teeth, salad for dinner is on the Launch Plan Menu. Looking forward to it, mainly because one of the ingredients is pesto, which is one of my favourite sauces.
That will be all today. Weekend has now officially started, I planned a lot of relaxing, some pampering and of course runs and gym sessions. Also going to attend a yoga class, my body, especially legs, need some stretching after all the running etc I've done this week. All workouts been quite intense, I had to use this huge energy somewhere.
Have a lovely weekend everyone!!!!
Talk soon xxxx

Day 4

I'm just over half way of the 7 days Launch. Nothing really changed since yesterday, I have a lot of energy and love the taste of my liquid foods.
Day 4 passed under the healthy eating boom at work. After telling everyone about my plan for after the Launch few people got quite interested (I put it down to the fact that "solid" food will get incorporated into my diet which seems to make it easier for others). I've been asked to share some ideas for healthy and nutritious lunches and dinners, so spent most of the day giving recipes for my specials away. I'm pleased people around are getting into healthy eating more, not so much to lose weight but to actually stop feeding themselves with processed "junk" all the time. Don't get me wrong, not saying having a takeaway or packet of crisps every now and then is wrong, far from it. I too enjoy bag of Doritos and dips in front of TV or a pizza on Saturday night, not to mention some cocktails and nibbles in the pub. But everything in moderation and only occasionally. Treats, let's call it, like this keep us satisfied and give us the needed balance. I've also been told, quite a while ago, by a personal trainer I worked with, that eating unhealthy food sometimes will give our metabolism a kick, sending the message to speed up and burn the excess calories. I don't know if it is definitely true, will need to read up about it a bit more.
That would be it for today. Got pretty busy day tomorrow so going to get some well deserved rest now. Fridays at my work are short, but busy, so need to have my batteries on full :)
I want to thank everyone for all the support and great comments I've been getting this week. You are all amazing!!!
Juice love, talk again tomorrow xxx 

Day 3

I'm fully juiced!!! Today's fuel was again delicious and full of colours. I feel full of energy and happier than I felt just before starting the plan. I also noticed improvement in my performance on the treadmill. I ran not only faster, but wasn't as tired I normally after finishing 5k run. I even skipped chill out on the bike and moved straight away to rowing machine, stepper and cross trainer. I think so far this is my favourite effect of juicing.
Day 3 brought another surprise. Another person at my work place asked me to coach her through juicing plan, she's been a yoyo dieter for years and wishes to try something that might keep the weight off and get rid of the sugar cravings. I think she's also charmed by the quick weight loss as going on holiday in few weeks time. Even if she's only looking at quick fix as I'm suspecting, I'm convinced that by the end of 7 days on juices she will not be back to eating unhealthy too soon if at all. I'll make sure she doesn't haha.
I've been thinking a little today about the menu for the weeks to follow. I decided to stick to the Juice Yourself Slim recommendation. 2 liquid meals (juice, smoothie or soup) a day at least 5 days a week and 1 "solid" meal. The weekend plan can be more flexible, although I think I will stick to 2 liquid meals. I love and always loved juices, smoothies and soups so I won't be giving up on anything. And will endless combinations of fruit and veg I don't think I will ever get bored of it. I might throw some porridge with berries or scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on some Sundays, when I have bit more time to prepare breakfast (or when it's cooked for me). Thinking about "solid" meals, the choice is also endless. Different salads, fish and vegetable dishes won't leave me bored and unsatisfied with my food. Must admit, really looking forward to having steamed salmon with baked sweet potato chips or a simple mushroom stir fry. It's not a craving, but just an idea what I'm going to have after Launch programme.
On more spiritual side I'm filled with positive energy. I haven't noticed massive changes to my figure yet, which to be totally honest I'm not really that bothered about. I'm a healthy (for my height and frame) size 6/8 and I know I don't need to lose weight. Of course, like all of us women I have bits which I would rather not have (my thighs, but a lot of it is muscles built on the treadmill). Overall I think I'm making even bigger progress on accepting my own body. If you read my first post, you know I suffered from Eating Disorders most of my life and still am recovering from it. One thing juicing benefited from for my recovery is that I realised that it isn't that important to be skinny. I feel much better being slim and healthy than I felt being size "0"and ill. When I was starving myself, refusing my body sometimes any fuel whatsoever I felt unhappy and miserable. Typically for all Eating Disorders suffer more weight I've lost, bigger I thought (and seen in the mirror) I was. Now, full of natures best foods, I feel a lot happier and better in my own skin. I would never think that this plan will result in that kind of effect, better than years of therapy and force-feeding I had to go through on the road to recovery.
Not sure whether Jason Vale - the designer of the juicing plan - thought about the effects of it on the Eating Disorders sufferers and ex-sufferers, but if he hasn't I strongly recommend to look into it. Juices give a lot more nutrients than a lot of foods I've been advised to consume during my recovery and I think packing some nutrients into starved bodies is the main thing.
That would be it for today. Tonight I'm going to treat myself to a nice face mask in the bath, followed by a good night sleep. Oh, that's another thing I nearly forgot to mention. I sleep a lot more free of all stimulants such as coffee and refined sugars. And my body loves it!!!

Have a very good evening everyone!!! Talk soon xxx

Day 2

Second day of The Launch Programme went smoothly and quickly. As always all my juices and smoothies tasted great, so did green veggie soup I had for dinner. I felt little bit sleepy, but I put it down to the rainy weather, not the programme. After afternoon power plate session energy levels jumped up, I only felt bit cold (damn weather again), but putting heating on sorted this problem out. Talking of which, I can't believe I had to put heating on in May!!! Where will the summer finally start I want to know???!!!
On the physical side I feel really good. Having my juices when I start feeling hungry leaves me fully satisfied, without any actual food cravings. The only thing I am missing a little is coffee. Not as much for the effect it gives me, but for the taste, so even decaf would do right now haha. This made me realise I don't actually need caffeine and even after finishing the Launch I might have it only occasionally, maybe over the weekends only.
Energy levels were up and down today, but like I mentioned earlier, it's definitely because of the weather. I never reacted well to cold and rain.
My body is definitely cleansing (I will not go into details here, but think you know what I mean). I already feel lighter inside, my stomach started to get bit flatter as well, which is a good sign. Having psyllium husks definitely helps the juices here.
My mind loves the juicing just as much as my body. I've noticed my concentration improved, also apparently I'm more patient than I was according to people that work with me. Good thing I suppose, considering the fact that I have to deal with loads of sometimes very annoying people every day.

When doing the 7lb in 7 days programme few months ago, one thing that made it quite hard for me was lack of support and constant nagging by the mentioned work colleagues. Surprisingly, the worst ones were 2 women on a constant diet, members of Weight Watchers and Slimming World clubs. None of them even wanted to try the juices, which apparently looked like mould (probably because the were green), despite me offering them a little taste every time I had something new. Trying to talk to them about how good fresh juices and smoothies are on the nutritional side was like trying to explain the big bang theory to a 2 year old. They gave up the 2nd time I did the detox, deciding that I must be too daft to understand that Weight Watchers ready meal is better for me than juice made of fresh fruit and veg. Same this time, which was quite a relief. Nobody commented or asked me what I'm doing. Until this morning. One of the serial dieters took me on the side and asked if she could borrow my "Juice yourself slim" book and whether I wouldn't mind talking her through the programme!!!!! You can imagine how shocked I was. And proud in the same time. Finally someone understood!!! Anyway, she's planning to start next Monday, so I will restrain my excitement until she actually completes at least 2 or 3 days of the Launch. Hopefully if she succeeds others will follow. And let me tell you, there's few people at my work that need a serious detox and some pounds off.

That's pretty much it as for Day 2. My life hasn't changed at all. I'm not missing out on anything by not having "solid" food or junk. I still go to work, do the house work, etc and tomorrow I'm even going to the pub to meet a friend I haven't seen for a while. That will be fun, me sitting there sipping water with lemon, while he's downing his pints haha.

Beauty sleep time now. Talk tomorrow (might be very briefly, depending on what time I get back from my pub trip).
Juicy dreams xxx   

Day 1

Yesterday around this time I was slightly concerned whether I will feel energetic enough today to even turn my laptop on, let alone write a post about my first day on The Launch Programme. As you can read I managed both :) 

I knew I will experience headache as a result of caffeine withdrawal, especially being a heavy coffee drinker. Yes, I do have a bit of headache, but nothing I couldn't cope with. It's actually slowly going away and I'm sure after relaxing bubble bath I have planned for this evening it will completely disappear.

So, I woke up this morning extremely excited to begin juicing. I started my day with Avocado Crush Smoothie in gorgeous sunny yellow colour. Sipped slowly for about half hour at work, while everyone at the office were tucking into their bacon cobs or chocolate biccies washed down with one or the other caffeinated drink. And believe it or not - I didn't crave anything they were having (well ok maybe coffee a little). This yellow goodness, containing pineapple and lime juice, blended with some avocado and loads of ice. Truly refreshing, perfect start of a day. It was also very filling, keeping hunger off for next few hours till I had my "brunch" - Beta Carrot Juice , packed with loads of veg including fresh beetroot, which gave it sweet dark red colour. Again, very filling and delicious in taste. Lunch was green smoothie - Fennel Fuel, mix of pineapple, cucumber, lime and fresh fennel juice blended with avocado and ice.  Tasted as good as it looked and like other juices and smoothies was full of nutrients. Fennel is great for digestion, having this smoothie on the first day of the Launch definitely helps the body to get rid of all the waste and toxins. 

As I wasn't hungry for quite a while after my Brunch, lunch was more like a Linner (Jason's term for meal between lunch and dinner), therefore I skipped the Linner planned for me by Juice Master (one of the key principles of any juicy programme - don't eat/drink unless you're actually hungry and don't force your fuel down). Felt a little more tired and sleepy than usually, which I put down to not having coffee, so decided to have a little rest after getting home from work. Half hour on the sofa with cup of green tea and Cosmopolitan done the job just fine :). As I felt a little cold too, I decided the best warm up will be exercise. Did 20 mins bouncing workout on my mini trampoline. Straight away my heart was pounding and I had to get changed to something less cosy than warm Aran Knit jumper. This bit of bouncing also filled me with a lot of energy very much needed to make my dinner - butternut squash and carrot soup.

I must admit, I was looking forward to having soup for dinner. Main reason being my love of liquidised cooked veggies, but also I do like having something warm on a cold day and today weather wasn't spoiling us in Midlands (summer please come quick!!!).

Dinner was delicious are very satisfying. I've found that natural sweetness of carrots and butternut squash completely eliminated my usual post-dinner desert cravings. Credit to Jason Vale here - great idea for serving sweet tasting evening meal on the first day - for many of us it's that after dinner dessert that might be hardest to give up. 

Right now, I'm having cup of peppermint tea (very good for digestion, perfect to drink after any meal) and feel absolutely amazing. Looking forward to tomorrow, can't wait to taste some more new juices and smoothies. My favourite part of any new juicing programme I do is discovering new flavours and recipes. I am a foodie, especially when it comes to healthy and nutritious foods. My juices today had colours of the rainbow and taste of ambrosia, I'm sure tomorrow's will be exactly the same. 

That would be it for today I guess, if you have any questions about my day one, please ask in comments or on Twitter. 

Off to run myself bubbly shea butter bath. Have a juicy night everyone.

Talk to you soon xxx

Day before the launch

Juicing starts tomorrow morning. My fridge is over flowing with fresh fruit and veg, so is my kitchen worktop. Juicer replaced coffee maker, my brand new Gordon Ramsey blender standing right next to it. Kitchen has officially turned into a Juice Bar I'm actually proud off.

I'm ready and excited for the upcoming week. Been thinking today and now considering juicing for 2 weeks, starting same plan over as soon as it's finished. But that might change, depending how I feel at the end of the first week.

I thought before sharing my daily juicy experience, I should write a little more about this program, to highlight what I'm actually doing and what am I doing it for. 

The program I will be following from tomorrow (I don't want to call it a diet, as it's so much more than that, I think word detox describes it most accurately) is from Jason Vale's (aka Juice Master) book called "Juice Yourself Slim". For 7 days all that's consumed is freshly extracted vegetable and fruit juices and made using them smoothies, with homemade soups for an evening meal and salads on two last evening. When ordering the book from www.juicemaster.com website I received free wall planner with a full menu for each day and recipes for every single juice etc. I used same wall planner while doing Jason Vale's 7lb in 7 days plan and found it extremely handy, saving a lot of time you would spend using book alone. And time for all of us is precious, especially if we're working full time or are a full time mum. I highly recommend getting a wall planner to everyone wishing to do the program.

As for ingredients, the shopping list is available to download for free from Juice Master's website. Again, very useful.

After gathering all the materials comes time for preparations to Juicy Week. And this is extremely important and makes sticking to the program a lot easier, especially if you've never done anything like it before.

First of all - read the book. It answers every questions you might have and tells you exactly what to expect. As all Jason's books, this one is also written with a bit of humour and in very simple, understandable for everyone English. You find out a lot about power of the fuel you will be consuming while on the program and about nutrition and healthy living in general. 

Step 2 - shopping. I already own a juicer and blender (well had to buy a new blender, as my old one couldn't handle a pressure of daily usage anymore), so that came of the list. All the other ingredients are easily available at the local supermarket, farmer's market, etc. Spirulina powder - a superfood supplement - used in some of the recipes, is cheapest to buy in Holland&Barret (£11.99 for 200g, will last for a long time, even used daily).

Step 3 for me is today - a treat. Saying farewell to sugar, coffee and others for at least a week. Well I think sugary foods won't be welcome on my table for lot longer than a week. Coffee shall return in victory, in limited quantities though, soon after finishing the program. What can I say, coffee is my biggest weakness, I just love the smell of freshly grounded beans in the morning, not to mention flavours of all different blends. Anyway, back on the subject. 

For the next 7 days you're supposed to stick to the juicing plan created by Jason Vale. It's been carefully designed to give your body all the nutrients it needs, feeding it with Earth's finest ingredients. It might be challenging, especially if you're leading busy lifestyle and are on the go most of the time. I treated myself to few flasks to take juices with me to work etc. If you're making juices in advance, it's best to make them in the morning on the day, although I've found making them in the evening day before a lot easier, it gave me some extra time in the morning to do some exercise. Now, if for any reason you're unable to pre-make juices or smoothies, don't panic and stop the program. From Jason Vale's book I've found out that on this occasions we can use our in-built juicer/blender - digestive system. A banana, apple, handful of greens etc will be good enough replacement if you haven't got your juice with you while on the go. All to remember is to chew thoroughly to brake the food into easy digestible pieces. 

Now, exercise. It's not something new to me, as I do exercise quite a lot, a least 4 times every week. On the program you're supposed to exercise daily, even if it's just a longer brisk walk (good old tip - walk to or from work, or get off the bus/tube one stop earlier ;). We all know how important it is to move to stay in a good shape, inside and out, so I won't preach about it here.

That would be it I guess. Just a brief (ish) highlight of the program.

Big Day 1 tomorrow - from my experience I know I will suffer the caffeine withdrawal in form of a massive headache, but it usually lasts for one day in my case, so I think I can cope with that. I will post in the evening how did the first day go anyway, even if it's just a brief update. I will most probably be tweeting about it throughout the day as well (@agzzzz).

Have a nice Sunday evening everyone, talk to you soon xxx

  

Gym bunnies

I've spent my Saturday morning, like pretty much every Saturday morning, at the gym. I love my sessions, my 5k run, cooling down on the bike, rowing, classes, etc. I could probably live there if they provided beds and wardrobes big enough to accommodate all my shoes.
As a nosey creature, I do sometimes like to watch others work out. Do admire all determined women, working hard on losing these few lbs they don't feel comfortable with, geeky guys on the cross trainer, body builders pumping weights heavier than them and all the Sunday-gymmers as I call them, who appear there once in few months, looking rather lost trying to work out how to adjust the speed on the treadmill. But the ones I would like to talk about today are Gym Bunnies. And the reason I mention these is the one I have seen this morning. I must say, I am little impressed with her dedication. Most I manage first thing in the morning before setting off for my session is brushing my teeth and putting first piece of clothing I find in the wardrobe. And here she is. Wearing tiny pair of bright pink shorts, just as pink cropped top, both enhancing her freshly sprayed on tan. Her hair styled following the latest fashion, looking as if she literally just left the hair salon next door to our gym (maybe she did...). And the face - foundation, cheeks splashed with gentle blush, glittery pink lips and telescopic lashes. She walks on the treadmill slowly, as if she was a model walking the catwalk. Every now and then she looks around, sending gentle smile to a giant lifting weights in the corner. Secretly I glance at the speed  she set her machine to - 3 km/h. That's just over a mile!!! No wonder she hasn't got a single sweat drop on her gorgeous face. Looking at her feet I realise - she's wearing espadrilles (pink of course). I suppose it could be hard to run in these and would definitely cause a nasty injury.
I can't help but wonder - what is she doing at the gym? Surely, at that speed she could walk anywhere else, our gym is located at the back of large shopping centre - why won't she just go for a walk around the shops? With today's sunny weather she could even wear the same outfit. Why then? I suppose I could ask, but I'm not that cheeky. Everyone has their reasons to go to the gym and it's not my place to question it I guess. So I adjust speed to complete my 5k and move to the bike to read a copy of Zest Magazine I brought along. Gym bunny slows down slightly, she must be tired poor thing, after all she's already been on the treadmill for 15 mins.
Some time later, just as I'm about to complete my run, she stops. After performing what I believe meant to be stretching, she leaves the machine and swinging her hips walks towards the changing room. The giant's in the corner eyes follow her, dangerously focusing on her barely covered in pink bum.
5k done - I'm sweating, my face is bright red, water tastes like ambrosia in my mouth. Moving onto the bike to cool down a bit and browse through the mag, I see her walking out from the changing room, Wearing cropped denim jacket over her pink outfit and carrying little Louis Vuitton handbag. She looks stunning, just as she did earlier on the treadmill. I think I'm not the only one that noticed her, two girl's on the cross trainers behind me whisper to each other and I swear I hear the word "slut" coming out of ones mouth. Well, it is not our place to judge. I'm not judging, just watching. And must say, I do envy this pink-lady a little. I wish I was as determined as her to make sure my hair and make up always looks perfect, no matter where I am.
Out of many gym bunnies I see in my gym, she was by far the most glamorous one. It wouldn't shock me if she was wearing a pair of Jimmy Choos on the treadmill. Must admit, hope to see her again next Saturday. I wonder what colour she will be wearing then. Hope she has a full membership, not just a day guest pass :)

That's all today. Talk to you soon.
xxx

Blogging for Madeleine

2 days ago through one of my lovely Twitter friends I came across this important and touching event - Blogging for Madeleine. This lovely girl, who went missing 5 years ago, is turning 9 today.
First of all Happy Birthday Little Princess!!!! All I wish for you on this day and every day is to come back to your family safe. And I believe that one day you will. And hope this day will be soon.

Madeleine been taken away from her dearest on Thursday, 3rd May 2007, whilst enjoy a family break in Praia da Luz in Portugal. I can't even imagine what it felt like for Madeleine's parent's to find that their beloved daughter disappeared. I remember days and weeks to follow this tragic event. I felt sick listening to all the accusations McCanns had to face. These people have to go to bed every night not knowing where their baby is - this is enough, they don't need to hear all the conspiracy theories made up by sick people, who are more interested in everyone else's life than their own. Why don't you all show your support, or simply shut up if you can't/won't do it??!!! I see Madeleine's parents from time to time, living in the same are. Only one look at the them and you know - they are parents who are looking for their little girl, not murderers, not someone who sells their child for adoption or organs donation. Please...

Mr and Mrs McCann - don't give up, you will have your precious little girl back soon. Paulo Coelho wrote once, that if you really and truly want something, every power on Earth and in Heaven will help you getting it. I believe in it with all my heart. Stay strong xxx

Madeleine - don't cry, mummy and daddy will find you xxx

And now to you soulless and heartless bastards who took this innocent child - return her to her family.
Look at her mother's tears and think of your own mother's, how would they feel if someone took you from them?

For more information please go onto www.findmadeleine.com

Metropolitan Police has now released a new age-progression image of Madeleine, a guide to what she may look like now, age 9. If you see a young girl, who looks anything like this please contact your LOCAL POLICE, or any of the numbers listed below.

Operation Grange

0207 321 9251 (in the UK)

+44 207 321 9251 (non-UK)

Operation.Grange@met.pnn.police.uk

Crimestoppers in confidence 

0800555111 

www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Thank you for taking your time to read this. 

Many thanks to two lovely ladies leading the action: @AMummysView and @Tea and Biscotti. 

This is who I am

Thought I'll introduce myself before getting started with juicy posts:)
So here it comes: I'm 26 woman with a bit of mid-twenties crisis, who wishes she could still be in her teens (life is so much simpler when all you have to do is get up and go to school ha ha, believe me all you teens reading it, enjoy till it lasts :). I love sports, especially running, am passionate about nutrition and healthy lifestyle (and juicing of course). Throughout my teens and early twenties I suffered from Eating Disorders and although recovered, I'm still learning to love my body the way it is.
3 years ago I've been a victim of a crime (I'm not yet ready to go into details here, please forgive me), which transformed me as a person and made me realise life is fragile and I should live it up.  Since then I see the world in a different way than I used to.
I work full time, it isn't my dream job though. My goal is to become a Personal Trainer and nutritionist and I'm currently looking for the suitable courses. The one I think I will be starting as soon as possible is the Juice Therapist course with Jason Vale aka The Juice Master. As you will probably notice in my posts to follow, I'm passionate about juicing and want to juice the world (already started with the part of it near me ;).
What else, well I love and I am loved, and it gives me wings. For the first time in my life I am truly happy and fulfilled. Must admit, it feels amazing and I wish everyone to experience it.
So I think that's it for now. Hope I didn't make anyone (if anyone actually read it) fall asleep. If I did - sweet dreams, if I haven't - hope you read me again :)

Juicy love everyone xxx

P.S. Starting 7 days plan from Jason Vale's "Juice Yourself Slim" on Monday. Will be posting daily about my experience and what it does for my body, soul and mind :) Maybe someone will find it helpful. Happy to advice as much as I can :)