Healthy Snacking with Nakd Bars*

Now that the lighter evenings have finally started, the countdown to summer has officially began. However - as happy as the thought of eventual warmer weather make me, I can safely say that after months of over-indulging I am in no way ready for skimpy-summer fashion *sobs*.

One of the biggest struggles I face when trying to be healthy is snacking & knowing which are the right snacks to eat. So whilst hunting around my local supermarket I found myself repeatedly glancing towards Nakd Bars* & wondering if they'd be able to satisfy my ever-growing cravings without leaving me guilt ridden.

For those who don't know, Nakd Bars* are made of a combination of raw fruits & nuts however - unlike most "healthy" snacks on the market, they contain no added sugar or syrup. They are also made of 100% natural ingredients that are wheat, dairy & gluten free - perfect for those with allergies or following specific diet plans. 

I find these chewy yet soft bars perfect for snacking on between meals when I fancy a little something extra. The selection of flavours - including Ginger Bread, Cashew Cookie & Bakewell Tart - feel like a treat without any of those added "naughty" ingredients. A personal favourite of mine has to be the Cocoa Delight bar which I find myself reaching for when sugar cravings hit around mid-afternoon. 

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to snacking yet still want something that is enjoyable to eat, I'd definitely recommend picking up the Nakd Bars*. Bonus - most of the range count towards one of your five a day. Something that always makes me feel slightly proud of myself.. even as a twenty-something-year-old. 

Be sure to check out the Gym Motivation tips from Natural Balance Foods (creators of the Nakd Bar) if - like me - you're attempting to be a little healthier! 

Have you ever tried Nakd bars?

What are your thoughts?
xxx

Zombie's Run - Fitness App

A few months back I wrote about how I was attempting to get back into shape. Not a huge amount has changed  in that time, for example I haven't really lost to much weight *evil glance to the bar of chocolate on the table* but I would still say that my fitness levels have definitely improved. Plus I've found that I've started to actually enjoy working out - shock!

However despite this new found love for the gym, there are still a few elements that I truly do find gruelling. One of which is running. No matter what I tried I just couldn't see the fun in running.. What's fun about becoming a sweaty, spluttering mess whilst the person on the next treadmill over  somehow remains to look beautiful?!

That was until I recently stumbled across the Zombie's Run! app which, as a huge Walking Dead fan, I thought may be an interesting way to add a little fun into my cardio routine.

The App - which is free to download on both the App Store & Google Play - works by playing snippets of the storyline/mission through your headphones as you walk/jog/run. Whilst listening to music as usual, the music will dim to allow you to hear the next section of storyline once a checkpoint is reached.

You begin with your character - Runner Five - being dropped in the middle of an apocalyptic world, who is then tasked with collecting supplies to take back to base - whilst avoiding the fast approaching zombies - of course.

Whilst I've only used this app a few times so far, I am currently completely hooked! This is the perfect way to motivate me into running as I'm constantly desperate to know what's going to happen during the next mission. Plus I love how you can use this app at your own pace.. For example if you feel like running, great! If you feel like taking a leisurely stroll, also great!  You can also chose to add the extra of needing to speed up when the Zombies are close - in my eyes his is both realistic (who would walk when Zombies are approaching?!) & incorporates some interval training.

Previously even ten minuets on the treadmill felt like a huge chore - but since downloading this app I've found myself easily completing half an hour of running/walking.. Admittedly I'm still a sweaty, spluttering mess - but oh well. Who has time for looking good when running from zombies?!

I'm excited to see what the future story lines in this app bring & whether maybe one day I'll even enjoy running!

What are your thoughts on this app?
Or if you haven't tried it, what are your top running tips?
xxx

My Current Gym Routine

You may have read my recent blog post about how I set myself the challenge of getting myself back into shape.. *looks over at the Dominos menu pinned to the fridge longingly*.

I'll be honest & say that I haven't suddenly turned into some fitness fanatic who's ready to run the London Marathon.. but there's something about dragging myself to the gym that ultimately leaves feeling pretty good about myself.. Endorphins maybe? Who knows. 

However I recently realised that I didn't really have much of a routine & I just floated from machine to machine hoping I'd wake up one day weighing less & resembling a toned goddess. Due to this I decided to do a little research & have put together workout routine that I personally feel works well for me.

I thought this would be perfect to share with anyone who may - like me - be a bit of a loss with what to actually do once you've actually managed to get build the motivation to get to the gym (which in itself is a huge achievement in my opinion).  

Admittedly I don't stick to this routine religiously.. for example if my back is feeling a little sore from my previous work out I may skip the rowing machine and spend a little longer on the stepper... Or other days I may decided to attend a class instead..  I know, I know.. I'm wild!

What are your favourite exercises/routines?
I'd love to hear any tips anyone has!

xxx

Gym wear - Wish List

If you read my recent post on my attempt to get into shape (click here if you fancy a read) you'll know that I'm trying to get fitter as well as shift a few pounds following some recent weight gain. 

Due to this, I've found myself browsing online at gym clothes a lot over the last few weeks. The majority of the time my gym outfits consist of some old leggings and an over-sized t-shirt so recently I've been dreaming of a number of new potential gym/workout outfits. 

Now don't get me wrong, I know the gym isn't a place for looking our best - believe me I always resemble a red sweaty troll - but I can't help but wonder if maybe I had a few more "nice" gym outfits.. I'd be more motivated to go? In the same sense that when I buy a new dress or pair of heels, I can't wait to go on a night out to show them off. 

There's a huge market for "more attractive" gym wear & retailers are completely aware of this so even brands that you wouldn't usually associate with sports (think H&M, New Look & Boohoo to name just a few)  have "active wear" sections now.  I doubt I'll ever make a huge effort with my appearance for the gym, but I can't see anything wrong with having some clothes that are both well designed for exercise and look good?

Here are a few of my current favourite finds: 

1. "No More Excuses" sports vest - New Look - £8.99 [x]

2. Three quarter length sports leggings - H&M - £14.99 [x]

3. "See You At The Finish Line" vest - Forever 21 - £10.00 [x]

4. Floral slogan t-shit - Nike - £25.00 [x]

5. Peach Contrast leggings - Missguided - £20.00 [x]

6. Logo Sweater - Adidas - £35.00 [x]

7. Mickey Mouse graphic t-shirt - Adidas - £19.00 [x]

8. Sports Bra - Nike - £20.49 (reduced from £26.00) - [x]

9. Floral Stripe sports leggings - Next - £18.00 [x]

I love these items, and would probably even wear most of them outside of the gym.. Floral panel leggings teamed with a Mickey Mouse top?! Yes please! Plus I love the classic Adidas sweatshirt - even though we're heading into the summer months now, I imagine it would be perfect to throw on during a chillier evening... perhaps even after a trip to the gym. 

What are your favourite items to wear to the gym?

xxx