Being Me

You know when you see someone on social media raving about a new fitness routine or a new diet that is making them feel great?

You know when you read it and you just want to reach through the screen and slap the person who posted?

Yeah...well...erm...prepare to slap me!

I'm feeling quite good right now.

I actually 'like' being me.

I'm still a long way from loving my body but I feel happier already.

I've never been overweight. I'm lucky like that. In fact, I used to get teased for being 'skinny' when I was younger. But I hate my legs with a passion. You will very rarely see me in skirts or shorts above the knee. I just feel like my thighs are MAHOOSIVE. I know deep down they aren't really. Not that bad anyway but it's just this thing I have. You know? I think everybody has a part of themselves they really hate or dislike. Also, since breast-feeding two children, I've lost my boobs somewhere along the line so this only puts the emphasis on my bottom-half. Padded bras are my friends at the moment. Boob job anyone?

Anyway, before I ramble on anymore I need to get all this out there on my blog. I don't know why. I just do. I hope that my kids will read this blog when I'm older.

This worries me though.

It worries me because I don't what them to be embarrassed about their bodies. But at the same time I want them to be able to realise they need to take care of their bodies too. At the moment, their diets are shocking. If MC could eat pasta every single day, she would. If TC could eat sausages and breadsticks every day, he would. MC will eat fruit but the only vegetable I can manage to get into her (under duress) is broccoli. TC, on the other hand, is refusing to eat fruit and veg. He's not long turned 2 so I can't reason with him yet. I can get soup into him so this has become my vegetable arsenal. It's so difficult though.

Again, I digress.

What did I want to say again?

Oh right. Yes.

I'll be the first to admit that I spent last year in a bit of a fog. Friends of mine suffered major tragedies and instead of grasping hold of life and making the moments count, I spent a lot of last year feeling a bit 'meh'. My diet was poor and exercise non-existent. I lacked energy and illness seemed to catch me at every opportunity.

Sure, we holidayed in Florida again, which was great, but I wouldn't say it did my diet any favours!

We moved house which didn't help my diet or stress levels.

Then serious food poisoning wiped most of September out (and October out thanks to a relapse).

The weight I lost during the food poisoning was piled back on (and then some) over the Christmas holidays.

As 2014 hit I wanted to make a change but didn't know how to get motivated. Then, in April, it suddenly hit me that I was turning 40 in six months time.

What was I doing?

Some days I'd hit a wall just after lunch and my body would give in to a nap as TC slept. I'd wake up for the school run feeling groggy and moody. I would be a bit snappy with the kids for no real reason.

They were making noise.

They were constantly asking me questions.

They were being silly.

They are kids, that's what kids do! I shouldn't be feeling like this.

Did I really want my kids to remember me as a bit grumpy?

So, since early April I've really made an effort. I've embraced a healthier lifestyle and I am loving it. I'm exercising everyday thanks to Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred. I've cut out carbs pretty much completely (for someone who lived on bread, rice, pasta and potatoes this is HUGE!) and am trying my best to eat paleo style food as best I can. I've also upped my water intake massively. Previously I'd get to the evening and realise I'd only had one coffee all day.

The change has had a huge impact on me.

I feel pretty good.

My body shape is changing. I'm leaner. I'm fitter.

But best of all?

I just FEEL healthy.

I have more energy. I'm not feeling like I need a nap. I'm sleeping better each night.

You definitely are what you eat.

I'm not saying I don't have the occasional treat...because I do. I'm not saying I have given up alcohol...because I'm not stupid.

People have started to notice over the past couple of weeks. Not everyone. But then I wouldn't expect them to. A couple of friends, my mother-in-law and my hairdresser. Just little comments about weight loss or complexion looking better. It all helps my confidence.

I have a number of lovely friends to thank for their support (you know who you are) in helping me with meal ideas and motivation.

The fog of 2013 has officially lifted.

I'm embracing life and I'm embracing healthy eating.

I'm happy being me.

Lose Inches And Save The Children

I have a confession to make.  I've never been a 'gym bunny'...show me anything to lose some inches and stay in shape with little effort and I'm there.

So when I heard about HotPants from Zaggora I was champing at the bit to get a pair.

What did they promise?

- Reduce your body fat
- Reduce the visible appearance of cellulite
- Lose 2 jean sizes in 2 weeks with no crazy workout or nutty regime

I must admit though, I was skeptical.  Surely a pair of pants weren't going to achieve all that!

Proof I do housework

But, you know what?

They have and I've done NO exercise either...unless you count vacuuming as exercise!

I absolutely LOVE them.

I'm actually going to buy another pair for when my first pair are in the wash. I also need to buy some new jeans as my current pairs keep falling off my hips. Result!

Imagine what would happen if I actually did some usual exercise too?

My best friend came over last week and saw my inch loss and asked me what my secret was.  Well, wearing Hot Pants is my secret.

Not only that, my Sister has also got a pair and they are working wonders for her forthcoming holiday.  Mind you, I say 'holiday'...where's she going?  She's traveling across the Sahara Desert...always likes to be different my big Sis. She loves them. I've told her she needs to take them to the desert with her. Imagine the fat she'd burn over there in that heat.

Anyway, as usual I digress, sorry.

So, the lovely people at Zaggora are very generously offering all readers 10% off a pair of your very own 'miracle worker' pants (usual retail price £44.99) using the code 'HEATHERLU' at the checkout.  In addition to this they will also donate £4.50 for every pair sold to my chosen charity Save The Children (I could claim this money for myself but I want to donate).  So, not only are you shedding some excess body fat, you'll be helping to help save children across the world, including the UK. At the moment there's a terrible drought in East Africa that I blogged about the other week.  Just think, that money could be going to help starving children.

I wouldn't recommend these Hot Pants if I wasn't entirely happy with them. You haven't just got my word for it, you've got my Sisters word too and hundreds of other Hot Pants Ambassadors across the world.

You won't be disappointed!

Just don't forget to use the code 'HEATHERLU' when you check out to claim for 10% and help Save The Children.





Please let me know if you order a pair with the code so I can keep track of the money raised for Save The Children.  I'd also love to hear what you think of them.

This is not a sponsored post.  

I did receive a pair of Hot Pants to try but all views, 

opinions and photographs are entirely my own.