thank you

Work is over for the year. Family shenanigans in Singapore are well underway. 2013 is just around the corner.

But what a year it has been! 2012 has been a year of progress for me. I have made changes to improve the balance in my life. Health and fitness are now firm priorities. Work has been challenging and rewarding, and I'm loving it. My wonderful boyfriend and I moved in together. I have been fortunate enough to travel domestically and internationally. (But I certainly wouldn't complain about the opportunity to travel more.) In all honesty, I have had a fantastic year. There are still so many things I need to work on, but I'm sure I will never stop striving to better myself.

Lately the topics of honesty and openness have been bandied around. While I can be known to keep my cards close, I believe that I am honest and open when appropriately engaged. This year I have shared my thoughts, feelings and experiences through two blogs - openly and honestly. Writing about my struggles with weight loss has been a truly difficult, occasionally frustrating, but overall thought provoking experience.

The support I have received from people in the 12wbt, blog and instagram community has been overwhelming. I cannot thank you all enough. Every comment, like, response, hug, pat on the back has been cherished.

Thank you!

And have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

- Dani

quick update

Olla! Oh what a slack little bunny I've been. I haven't had much time for blog-lovin lately. (Sorry.) So here is a quick update.

The nutrition plan I created for myself was a success and I promise to share more info (including recipes) with you soon.

Despite being the silly season my alcohol consumption has been low and the platters, etc. have been kept to a minimum. Although I do plan to indulge a little during my work Christmas party this week.

While I have been happy with my nutrition of late, the exercise front has faced some serious issues. After a week with the flu, getting back into my usual exercise routine has not been easy. Given that I'm about the leave the country for 3 weeks, I'm going to have to come up with some creative ways to stay motivated. Luckily I'll have more free time.

Yes, I am going to overseas this Saturday! Boy do I feel like I need a holiday. First stop is Singapore, for some much needed family time. Then it is on to Japan for an eye-opening extravaganza.

Fun times ahead!

- Dani

reflection

When I'm out and about living life (working, socialising, doing), I feel great. I would say I'm a genuinely happy person. But sometimes I stop and reflect, think about a past incident or look at a photo, and I tend to focus on the negatives. It makes me feel awful.

Most recently I felt like this when I looked at a photo I was in. Not an old photo, a recent one. I looked overweight, pasty and unattractive. In an instant my whole perception of myself changed. I wasn't thinking about the great time I was having when the photo was taken. I wasn't thinking about the fantastic friends I shared that moment with. All I saw in that photo were things about myself that I dislike.

As already mentioned, I think I'm a fairly happy person and I do like myself. So why do these moments of reflection send me into a downward spiral of mental self-flagellation?

While I have no idea if this thought process will ever change - it would be nice to look at a photo and appreciate my qualities rather than judge my appearance - I am going to try my darndest to make that girl in the picture better.

- Dani

bad start

Hello everyone. How was your weekend?

I had a lovely weekend visiting relatives and resting. That nasty bug is out of my system and I'm feeling tip-top again.

I also used the downtime to put together a pretty decent nutrition plan for this week. (Yay me!)

There was a mess of cookbooks, notes and tabs covering the coffee table as I did my 'research'. Finally, each meal was allocated and I had the shopping list to boot. I even did the shopping - although why I continue to go supermarket shopping on a Sunday, I don't know. I really must get back into my routine of hitting a fresh food market instead.

And what happened next? I just stopped. I had the plan. I had the food. But did I prepare anything last night? No.

How could I start the week so badly?!

Instead of munching on a delightful smoked salmon omelette this morning, I'm currently eating an emergency breakfast bar I keep at work. And lunch will be... something bought. Oh the horror.

So my 'post-12wbt trial week' isn't off to a great start. (I also didn't exercise this morning, although that isn't particularly unusual for me on a Monday.)

Guess the only thing to do from here is to buy a great lunch and up the ante on the preparation front tonight.

- Dani

trial run

I'm still sick and the weekend couldn't come any sooner. The plan is to rest, rehydrate and repeat.

It feels weird not exercising or at least not fretting about exercise. But my nutrition has been reasonable and I plan to get very active as soon as possible - body allowing.

In trying to do all I can to ensure I have a stellar week next week, planning is my key focus. And although I am trying to be the queen of positive at the moment, I have to say... I'm not a fan of the 12wbt nutrition plan for Week 4.

As per usual, I printed the weekly nutrition plan with the aim to identify and replace the unsuitable meals (because of intolerance, etc). But this week I wanted to replace 90% of the meals.

Rather than feel disheartened I decided that this was a great opportunity to test my ability to create a wonderfully healthy and nutritious menu on my own.

The 12wbt team can't create my nutrition plans forever, at some point I am going to need to learn to do it all by myself - week 4 is going to be my trial run.

I haven't quite figured it all out yet, but I'll keep you posted.

Have a great weekend!

- Dani

goals

I'm aching all over, struggling to breathe and all I want to do is curl up in bed. Yep, I am sick.

So I guess the exercise plan isn't exactly going to be adhered to with military precision. (Understatement.) And there are a couple of red flags this week. (Not ideal.)

Whether I like it or not shit happens. Every second of my life can't be planned and executed perfectly, so I need to think of the bigger picture when things get a little haywire.

To get past a bad day or two, or even an entire slump, I've developed some goals. And I'm going to achieve these goals regardless of my ability to 'stick to the plan'.

December goals
- Weigh less than 80kg
- Run 3km non-stop outdoors (record time and aim to beat it)
- Row 500m as fast as possible (record time and aim to beat it)
- Plank on toes for 1 min (more if possible)
- Burn >3000 calories during workouts in one week

January goals
- Weigh less than 78kg
- Run 3km non-stop outdoors (record time and aim to beat it)
- Row 500m as fast as possible (record time)
- Plank on toes for 1 min 30 secs (more if possible)
- Burn >3000 calories during workouts in one week

February goals
- Weigh less than 76kg
- Run 5km non-stop outdoors (record time and aim to beat it)
- Row 500m under 2 mins
- Plank on toes for 2 mins
- Burn >3000 calories during workouts in one week - twice

I think my goals are realistic and I intend to re-evaluate them at the end of each month.

But right now I'm going to focus on drinking lots of water, filling my body with essential vitamins & nutrients, and getting plenty of rest. (Woe is me.)

- Dani

green smoothie

Being lactose intolerant and having a less-than-positive attitude toward bananas, I often struggle with breakfast smoothies. For anyone partaking in the 12wbt at the moment, you would know that Banana Smoothies are part of the nutrition plan next week. So I've been searching for an alternative.

Today I decided to test out a green smoothie, which is based on Angela's (from Oh She Glows) Green Monster recipe.

Serves 2-3 (approx 45-65 calories per serve)

1 cup baby spinach

1 gala apple (or any sweet apple) 

1 continental cucumber

Juice from 1 lemon 

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

Maple syrup, to taste (I used approx 1 tablespoon)

Handful ice cubes

1. Peel cucumber. Roughly chop cucumber and apple.

2. Put spinach, apple, cucumber, lemon juice and ginger in a food processor or good quality blender. Blend on high until smooth.

3. Put mixture into a blender (if you haven't already) with ice and maple syrup.

4. Pour and serve!

The verdict: I was pleasantly surprised. I really like the idea of this recipe, but think it could do with some tweaking (e.g., I would definitely consider adding a second apple next time). 

Also, I personally found that my blender wasn't able create a smooth mixture on its own, so I had to use the food processor and then the blender. But just do what works best with the appliances you have.

Have a great weekend!

- Dani

it's all about the lifestyle

I said I'd plan, I said I'd follow through, but... I'm still working on it. My weekend involved unplanned meals, a bit of alcohol and lots of activity. I definitely have a long way to go, but in general, I am leading a more active lifestyle and it is fantastic!

Firstly, I went to a yoga class during lunchtime on Friday. It was tough and I was sweaty. I normally avoid midday classes because it feels inappropriate returning to work looking like a sweaty beetroot. But do you know what? I'm really glad I did it. It wasn't easy - I'm not very good at yoga - but it was a great way to break up my day. 

So I have a new goal - get better at yoga.

I did all of these poses, well I tried to

Saturday morning was stinking hot and I pushed through the Super Saturday Session down by the beach. It was up to 27.5 degrees by the time I left. (Whoa!)

I completed all 4 rounds fairly quickly (and I certainly didn't burn 1000 calories), but I got slower and weaker each time. So I know I have a lot of improving to do.

But my Saturday activities didn't end there...

My girlfriends and I hit up the driving range! And I cannot express enough just how much fun we had. It is amazing how much it works your forearm muscles and you are constantly engaging your core to maintain posture. Of course, constantly laughing at our lack of talent helped too.

A late lunch and few wines later, I found myself at a house party. Dangerous territory. But I took one bottle of cider and when it was finished, that was it. I stopped drinking alcohol for the night. Hallelujah!

Sunday was a little less successful. I planned a fantastic BBQ with lots of great, mostly healthy, salads, etc. But I had a few drinks and probably nibbled a little too much. When there is food around all the time it becomes much harder to monitor intake and know when to stop. Given that it is the season for BBQs though, I guess this is something that I'm just going to have to work on.

Overall it was a great weekend and though I have a few things to work on, things definitely seem to be getting better.

How was your weekend? Any stories to share?

- Dani

happy, healthy, fit

Hello!

12wbt Round 4 has well and truly kicked-off and yes, I have been deviating from the plan. Unlike last round though, this is not freaking me out (and I no longer feel like a failure). I know that I'm still exercising (goddamn intermediate toning sessions are hard) and that my nutrition is ok (but it could be better).

Not 12wbt, but not bad either

The next few months are all about warmer weather, get-togethers and frivolity. So to reach my goals during this hectic time, I am focusing on two things: discipline and positivity.

These would have to be two of my weakest areas - I'm not disciplined (at all) and I'm not a very positive person either. Focusing on my weight and fitness has made me very 'me-centric' and I was often in a state of disappointment.

But this time I'm not going to be disappointed because
1. I will have a plan and I will be organised
2. I will follow through, I will stick to the plan, I will be disciplined (and when the unpredictable occurs, I will make suitable adjustments)
3. I am focusing on the positive elements of my life, elements that don't stimulate stress, elements that are within my immediate control (e.g., I will focus on my improving fitness, I will not stress about how unfit I feel)

And this inspired my new mantra.

Happy. Healthy. Fit.

All of these things are within my control and none of these need to be stressful. I want to be happier, healthier, fitter person. A person that I can be proud of. (And it really shouldn't be that hard.)

At the moment these are just words, but I am putting them into practise. I have already planned my meals and exercise schedule for next week. The shopping list is ready too. I have also adopted a colour system to monitor how well I stick to the plan.

It is no longer about 'I can' or 'I will' do this, but 'I am'... I am doing this! (And you can do it too!)

- Dani

finale

Ah Sydney, how you delight and confuse me with your shiny lights and traffic chaos. Luckily, I had a constant guide, my lovely sister, to direct me through the madness. But what a weekend it was.

For those of you not partaking in the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation, at the end of each round (there are 4 rounds this year) the 12wbt team throws a group workout and finale party in one major city - this round it was in Sydney. I decided to check it out and get some quality bonding time with my Sydney-sider sister.

Chelle and I arrived at the group workout nice and early (almost bang-on 9am), and the crowd was fairly small. As we visited the sponsor tents and tried one of the challenges (burpees - what was I thinking?), the crowd grew and grew until there were supposedly 1000 people there.

Fitness heat #2

The fitness heats/final made the morning truly inspiring. Some 12wbters have made the most remarkable transformations. I have struggled a little with a "I can't do this" mentality, but seeing all these people made me start to believe that I can.

The group workout was... intense at times and somewhat bizarre at others. There was lots of running forward and clapping, bouncing around (I'd wish I worn an extra sports bra) and enthusiasm. One of the group activities even left many of us with scuffed knees - not ideal before a cocktail night. But no one was complaining (and you'd certainly hope not given the number of t-shirts emblazoned with 'JFDI').

Chelle & I left the group workout feeling buggered and hungry, oh and a tad sunburnt.

***

One burger, nap and shower later, and I was ready to par-tay!!!

The cocktail party was, once again, inspiring and a fantastic bonding moment for Chelle and I. We completely embraced the let-your-hair-down vibe and made full use of the bar and photo booth. (If you'll remember from my previous posts, abstaining from alcohol while out is not one of my strengths.)

It was probably one of the best weekends my sister and I have had together in quite a while. I am feeling inspired and motivated, and Chelle is even thinking of doing the Lean and Fit 12wbt in the new year (which is yet even more motivation for me).

I am not feeling very prepared for Round 4 at the moment but I am not concerned, because after the weekend I just had, I feel ready to tackle anything.

- Dani

sisters

The weekend is nearly upon us and I am ready for a good one. (I have my weekend bag packed and with me at work - yay!)

Yes, I am going to Sydney. No, not just for 12wbt.

When I found out the 12wbt finale would be in Sydney and that one of my sisters would be back in Sydney at that time, I thought '"hey, why not".

My sisters are often my biggest supporters and closest friends. Though miles and miles separate us (all four of us), we're always there for each other. We laugh, we cry, we dance like crazy in our bedrooms. 

So while I am excited about the 12wbt group workout and cocktail party, I am most excited about spending the weekend with my sister.

See you soon shishter!

- Dani

week 12

It is here! The 12th and final week of the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation (Round 3 2012).

I have lost a few kilos, a fair few centimetres and gained a slightly healthier outlook. It is progress, but not at the intensity I wanted. Having signed up at the gym and joined the 12wbt, I thought I'd take significant steps in reaching my goals. But no.

So I thought it was time for a 12wbt reflection.

Nutrition
The food has been 50/50 for me. The nutrition plans don't really suit my lifestyle, as many recipes require far too much prep and cooking time. I often feel that all I do (Mon to Fri) is work, cook/eat, exercise and sleep.

In some ways, the nutrition plan is almost too ambitious as well. I would normally never buy so many different ingredients for one week and at times, following the plan to the letter can seem expensive.

Furthermore, my friends and I love to eat out. So rather than encouraging everyone to eat at home all the time, there could be a little more focus on how to make the best choices when eating out.

There have been massive highlights though. I now eat breakfast more regularly - almost every day. And a few of the recipes will be favourites in my household for some time to come.

Exercise
I have really enjoyed the planned workout sessions, though I'm not sure that I will ever stick to the full plan. I just don't seem to be able to workout 6 days in a row. Normally by Thursday my body is so sore from the previous three sessions that I can't do the full workout. (Hopefully this won't be such a problem as I get fitter and stronger.)

I have, however, changed my lifestyle to incorporate more physical activities (e.g., discovering new places on my bike) - which I am loving.

Mindset
I must admit, I haven't watched every weekly mindset video, so I perhaps haven't focused enough on this area. However, I kinda feel that the 12wbt is a good tool but that it won't 'fix the problem' so to speak.

I have been overweight for about 4-5 years now, but I have had problems with food since I was a teenager. I would drink coke everyday, eat doughnuts before school, stash confectionery in my bedroom.

Now don't even think about blaming my parents. In fact, my mum is a bit of a health nut. There was never any junk food in the house, though we would occasionally get to eat Coco Pops during school holidays. We only drank water and rarely had take-away.

But I wanted what other people ate. So I would spend most of my pocket money and later my after-school income on 'crap' food - often from the school canteen and occasionally from the local milkbar.

I never gained weight until I stopped participating in organised sports (after I left college).

So yes the 12wbt is changing my habits, but I still want that other food, whether I enjoy it or not. I can't imagine ever not wanting processed, highly addictive, massively marketed junk food. My palate might be changing, but my thought patterns haven't.

Overall
It must be doing something and I must enjoy it because I've signed up for Round 4. There have been brilliant moments where I felt fit, healthy and strong. Moments when an email from Mish would fill me with rage. (Yes, at times I seemed to go through the five stages of grief.) Moments when I just didn't care.

Mostly though, the 12wbt has made me think more about what I do and who I want to be. I might not have made significant changes so far, but I'm getting there.

Despite not reaching my goals, I'm still going to give it my all at the Group Workout and Finale Cocktail Party. I don't particularly plan on celebrating my successes, but I'm sure it will give me plenty of inspiration to kick-start Round 4. See you there!

- Dani

bucket list

As round 3 (2012) of the 12 week body transformation wraps up, it has gotten me thinking about my failures/weaknesses and my successes/strengths.

It will come as no surprise to you all that I have more weaknesses than strengths, definitely more failures than successes.

But all is not lost. While thinking about the hurdles I faced I also started thinking of solutions, one of which is a 'bucket list'. Not just any ordinary bucket list, a bucket list with social activities that are not centred around food or alcohol (crazy!).

So here are some of my ideas so far

• Rock climbing
• Go-kart racing
• Go to the ballet or a show
• Mini-golf (incl glow-in-the-dark mini golf)
• Ice skating
• Walks (e.g., Kokoda Memorial walk, Hanging Rock trail)

I also put the idea out to my friends and... they all love it! They all threw in their own suggestions...

• Bike riding
• 1000 steps
• Golf
• Paintball
• Lawn bowls
• Water sports
• Camping
• No light no lycra
• Craft nights
• Frisbee in the park

Firstly, I am so excited that all my friends are on board with this initiative. And secondly, I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner.

Being fit and healthy doesn't need to be hard work.

Now we just need to make it happen.

- Dani

Oh and... I signed up for Round 4! I wasn't going to, but I think I've made the right decision.

the tough get going

Some thoughts to keep the wheels turning - just 1.5 weeks left of 12wbt Round 3, 2012.

And my favourite quote at the moment (because it is so relevant to me)

And this week's song...
When the going gets tough, the tough get going - Billy Ocean

giving up

Well, this 12 week body transformation certainly hasn't played out how I thought it might - I guess I only have myself to blame though.

This week I pretty much gave up. Ok, I didn't exactly give up, I just noticed that my life was exactly the same (more or less) as before I started the 12wbt. So there hasn't really been any transformation.

It is devastating, especially when so many other 12wbters are doing so well. I was hoping that when I decided to sign-up for the 12wbt, it meant I'd had my light bulb moment, that I was suddenly going to follow the plans and transform into the healthy, fit person I'd like to be.

So naive.

While some people might suddenly wake up one morning and have a totally new approach to life, for most us, change is gradual. And it isn't necessarily going to be easy.

Trying to lose weight and change my lifestyle makes me so aware of my flaws. So not only is it hard cooking more, exercising more, having less time down time in my day. But I am constantly aware of my laziness, my selfishness, my lack of will power.

For some reason though, I don't seem to think that I deserve better. This lack of faith in myself is holding me back - in all areas of my life.

At this point, I feel that if I keep disappointment at bay, I might be able to make this transformation step-by-fricken-tiny-step. But I have to keep trying. Because even though I'm no where near my goals, I am closer than when I started. I might never have a light bulb moment, but I never want to give up.

- Dani

back on my bike

As a 12wbter, I had a fairly catastrophic week last week. But as a social, fun-loving, twenty-something, I had a fantastic (albeit exhausting) week.

Having abandoned my entire exercise routine for the week, I decided that it was better to get active than dwell on my failures. So I got active!

Dan and I went for a 2 hour bike ride on Sunday afternoon, and discovered a few places in Melbourne I never knew existed.

Princes Pier, Port Melbourne

Under the West Gate Bridge

Near Westgate park

I'm not thrilled that I was so undisciplined last week - it is something that I really need to work on. But I feel less guilty than I have in the past, so I think my mindset is improving. I am learning more about myself, the health/exercise/life balance that suits me and what keeps me motivated (and on-track).

Frivolity is great, but it is just one piece of the complex puzzle that is my crazy, slowly-transforming life. So I plan on being a very obedient 12wbter this week.

- Dani

red flag week

I've been feeling a little less social over the past few weeks. I am completely unable to rein myself in when eating and drinking out with friends, so it has been best to avoid those situation. But I can't go on like that forever.

This week I am out almost every night with birthday dinners, comedy nights, cocktail functions, the races, etc. It is a busy time of year and I know that I am failing to stick to the 12wbt plan. I didn't workout on Monday or Tuesday (but I did go for a lunchtime walk) and my diet has been far from ideal.

I know I'm supposed to suck it up, get up early and JFDI. But after a late night, it just doesn't happen. And to be honest, I'm not keen on depriving myself of sleep in order to exercise in the morning. Yes, I can try to get home earlier - but it's not happening this week.

While I am exercising when I can and watching what I eat as much as possible, in these situations I am completely weak - I know this. I ate birthday cake on Monday and I can't imagine not doing that. People have birthdays and people eat cake - I don't want to miss out on these things.

At home I seem able (most of the time) to be the mature adult that understands that I can't have everything I want. When I'm out though, it's all 'I want, I want, I want', and the mature adult doesn't even seem to be in the room.

If willpower really is a muscle, then I'd like to know how I can train it before I am in those situations. Because at the moment, I am feeling horrible, eating out, drinking and not exercising (even though it hasn't really affected my weight loss - which is even more annoying). Eating out is inevitable but I should be able to choose the healthiest option on the menu, say no say to that glass of wine with dinner and get up early the next morning to exercise. Shouldn't I? But I can't imagine ever not wanting the wine, not wanting the creamy risotto, not wanting to sleep in. And when I do say no to those things I tend to get a bit sulky and I don't enjoy the moment as much. (If you haven't guessed by now, I really hate being told I can't have something.)

There must be a balance between living a healthy, active life and engaging in 'normal' activities like eating out and having birthday cake. And I guess the answer is moderation. But as an overweight person, does moderation not apply to some things?

Basically I am feeling pretty weak and pathetic right now. My lack of willpower has been a huge barrier for me over the past few years, but I really thought that this time I was going to break through...

- Dani

big in Japan

Throughout the last 8 weeks I have changed a lot... but not as much as I'd like. I clearly have a long way to go before I can claim that I think fit and healthy.

This has gotten me thinking about whether I'll sign up for the next round of the 12 week body transformation. At the moment, I'm thinking that I will skip the next round, but sign up for the first round in 2013. Why? Because 1. I need to start doing these things for myself, not because a program tells me to and 2. I'm going to Japan in January.

As you may or may not know, people in Japan are very small and I'm not just talking about height. Morning exercise is part of almost everyone's routine and the government has even imposed waistline standards. So... I'm going to be big in Japan - physically.

I figure that between the 12wbt (and the finale), summer looming around the corner, seeing my family at Christmas and heading to Japan for new years, I have more motivational factors than anyone could ever need. If I don't seriously lose some weight now, then I don't know when I ever will.

So now I feel positive and confident knowing that I have 4 weeks of 12wbt and 'Project Japan' to keep me going through to the end of the year.

I also tried on some dresses today (maybe with the finale in mind) and though I was very hesitant about trying on a size 12 dress, it fit! It didn't look great, it did nothing for my shape, but it fit. Just another reason to smile and keep losing weight!

- Dani

the plateau phase

...is over! I lost 700 grams this week, and after a 5 week plateau, I almost can't believe it. I wish I'd taken a photo of my scales to prove to myself that it is real.

I have to admit that I weighed myself on Tuesday, not Wednesday - as I was much too focused on showering and jumping on my bike. But it still counts, yeah?

It makes me wonder why I did plateau for so long, because I did the maths (I have my spreadsheet remember) and it wasn't reconciling with the results. There is certainly a degree of human error involved in calculating calories etc, but I honestly should have lost more weight over the past 8 weeks.

Hopefully my body (and mind) has done whatever re-adjusting it needed to do and now the weight will continue to drop. (Fingers crossed!)

Regardless of my weight loss, I'm enjoying being more active everyday and the longer days are definitely spurring me on.

Here's hoping my measurements and fitness test results are on track this week too!

- Dani

weekend snippets

What a weekend! It wasn't jam packed, but it had some great moments.

Friday night 

A nice drop of red, lovely food and time spent with Dan. Ah bliss! But I didn't want to ruin my first group training session, so after my second glass of wine (yes, I had two and I don't regret it) I hit the hay.

Saturday

I joined some lovely Inner Melb 12wbters for an early group Super Saturday Session, which was supposed to be a skipping pyramid, but due to a couple of injuries was mostly a step-up pyramid. These ladies are definitely fitter than me, but it was good to be pushed (and not fall flat on my face).

We were out there for two hours and by the time I got home and organised breakfast I couldn't believe that the morning was nearly over. 

Post-SSS brekky

Having achieved so much in the morning I was in a pro-active mood. A few domestic chores later, I got started on a let's-jazz-up-the-apartment mini project.

I've been experimenting with herbs in the house lately, but we use herbs so often that the plants don't live long. So I decided I need herbs AND other plants, etc, to bring a little greenery inside, and what better plant to use than the also practical Aloe Vera.

This little creation now lives in the bathroom and I'm looking forward to adding a few extra touches to the rest of the apartment. This spring vibe is making me wanting to add a splash of colour to everything!

By this stage I was famished so I snacked on soy crisps and peanut butter sandwiches... which I wholeheartedly regret. Not because they were unhealthy or that I ate too much (neither of which is true), but because after such an action packed morning I should have organised a proper meal. Being hungry and eating whatever is around in the house is a habit I really want to break.

Exhaustion was well and truly taking over, so after a cheeky nap, we ventured out for a movie night. 

Lawless - it was pretty good

Sunday

I dosed up on water, had a small breakfast and headed to the Red Cross Blood Bank donor centre. But my blood wasn't in the mood to play nice (my flow rate was ridiculously low), so I had a few lovely nurses constantly checking up on me. One practically had to hold my hand to get my flow rate up.

Post-donation milkshake

The sun was shining so we headed to Mornington for a late lunch. We basked in the sunshine eating divine food at DOC. Sigh. It almost felt like I was on holiday.

Alas, I'm not on holiday, but at least we got to enjoy a beautiful sunset as we drove back to the city.

- Dani

friday funny

It's Friday, week 7 is nearly over and we all need a good laugh. (Well, I always want a good laugh.) Thank goodness for youtube!

I don't make a habit out of watching others suffer or embarrass themselves, but I must admit I couldn't help but laugh while I watched this clip. (Mostly because of the 'pants guy'.)



Have a great weekend!

- Dani

PS. I've joined a facebook support group and am planning to attend a group SSS session for the first time this weekend. I'm a little nervous, so I'll let you all know how it goes.

miso salmon

I have always loved food but I haven't always appreciated it. I do now! So I'm going to share one of my favourite recipes with you - miso salmon.

Firstly, in case you don't know, miso is a Japanese paste made from soybeans. You can find varieties of it in Asian supermarkets, but even your local Coles/Woolworths will have miso sachets (for miso soup).

Secondly, I'm not sure of the exact origin of this recipe. I'm pretty sure my mum took it from a cookbook, but I'm not sure which one. (FYI my mum is an amazing cook.)

And finally, my friends who do not like fish, or dislike salmon in particular, love this dish. Even kids eat it - it helps if you mix the salmon with small bowl of rice. So hopefully you'll like it too!

Though this recipe is very quick to make, you do need to prepare and marinate the fish at least 2 hours before you want to eat. I find it easiest to make the marinade the night before and marinate the fish for 24 hours.

Marinade ingredients

Marinade whisked and cooling

Salmon bathing in miso marinade

Salmon (after marinating for 24 hours) on a wire rack lined with foil

The end product - delicious!

Miso salmon and Asian greens

Serves 10 (approx 285 calories per serve)

Ingredients

1kg salmon fillet(s)

1/3 cup mirin

1 tbs reduced salt soy sauce

2 tsp caster sugar

1/3 cup miso paste/instant miso soup

3-4 bunches of your favourite Asian greens (or any greens really)

Optional calorie boost - brown rice or udon noodles

Method
1. Place soy, mirin and sugar in a small pan and bring to the boil over medium-high heat. Add miso and whisk until smooth. Remove from heat, transfer to a shallow bowl to cool completely.
2. When cool, add fish and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for at 2 hours (or overnight).
3. Heat a grill to high and line a wire rack with foil. Place fish on the rack discarding the marinade and grill for 5 minutes or until golden and caramelised. Cooking fish like this on the rack brings it closer to the grill and allow heat to circulate.
Note - If you like your salmon cooked well throughout (which most non-fish eaters seem to prefer), you might need to leave it in for an additional minute or two depending on your grill.
4. Steam your greens while the fish is in the grill. (I happened to have an abundance of asparagus in the house but I would normally serve up gai lan and/or broccolini.) Plate up and serve!

This serves a lot of people (10!) and so is great for entertaining or large families, but if you are solo (or duo) you might want to reduce quantities. In my photos I had 200g salmon fillet (for two people) but I didn't reduce the marinade quantities (as I find it harder to get the right consistency - maybe I just need a smaller pan). Since the excess marinade is discarded, this shouldn't have much impact on the calorie count.

- Dani