Not every day is a good day...

I had a great time at the Summer Mixed Scrim on Friday, here we all are afterwards...

I saw some friends who left CRG a while ago to join Bridgend Roller Derby, so it was great to play with them and catch up. I also got lots of amazing comments about how slim and different I looked, which is always motivational!

The Scrim was made up of a mix of players from all our local teams, Brawlers, Ravens, DVV, NPT, Swansea...the lot. A mix of abilities and so a great challenge. It was so satisfying playing against and along side some of the girls you watch at bouts and think are awesome. It was especially satisfying blocking those players and realising you can stand up to them! Yay!

Saturday I turned up late for my gym HIIT session, so made up the lost time by doing some weighted squats and deadlifts, I hadn't done them for ages and it was hard work! (I am still sore today, Monday).

Then, Saturday and Sunday were family days. Lots of eating out, treats and even a McDonald's!!! I know! I haven't eaten like that since before April, so it was kind of nice and also kind of scary. Thinking you'll wake up the next morning and be the old you! But, no. It's OK. I'm back on it today!

Me sporting my new top and denim jacket I got over the weekend.

Accountability...

One of the ways I have kept on with my weight loss and fitness drive is by involving other people (Roller Derby team mates) and also started an Instagram account to track my progress, @laurasfitjourney

Seeing progress visually is what does it for me. I love seeing how much healthier I look, slimmer and fitter I look in my 'selfies' and the roller derby photographs that get taken at bouts and training...here are a few from oldest to most recent..can you notice any difference?

5 1/2 months pregnant with baby #2

First scrimmage after baby, October 2013

First Open Bout March 2014

Bootcamp March 2014

April 2014 (just before I started my healthy eating)

Second open bout May 2014

Most recent friendly scrimmage July 2014

Health and fitness....

On April 4th this year I decided to make a change to my habits, to get fit and healthy and to loose my baby weight....

I have been on and off the healthy eating waggon since then, and have been exercising as much as possible! Gym and weights was my first thing, along with roller derby and now extra roller derby fitness and a personal trainer lead 6 week fitness course at my gym.

I have been juicing lots and drinking lots of water, as well as eating less chocolate, sugar and junk food! I still indulge now and again (I have eaten plenty of Ben & Jerry's, Pizza and Curry) but in moderation rather than every day.

Here are some of my favourite foods at the moment:

Green Juice: Spinach, Kale, Green Apples, Kiwi, Cucumber, Broccoli (Any mix of these)
Fruit Smoothies: Banana, water melon, strawberries, raspberries, frozen spinach, mango (Any mix of these)
Nuts and Seeds: mixed nuts (almonds, hazel nuts, Brazil, cashew, pecan), chis seeds, sunflower seeds hemp hearts, gogi berries
Other stuff: Eggs! Coconut water, almond milk, fresh fruit and veg, protein powder (soy or whey) to add to shakes, natural peanut butter, hummus, lots of water.

I have stopped eating and drinking so much of the following: diet coke and fizzy drinks, fruit juice, squash, chocolate, take aways, chips, crisps, sweets.

I need to look up my before measurements, then I will add them here:

Starting Weight: 159lbs (4th April 2014)

Current Weight: 140lbs (7th August 2014)

Before and after picture...

Sept/October 2013 (Size 14)                                                               August 2014 (size 10/12)